Preserving Craftsmanship through Spatial Design and Visitor Engagement

A Sustainable Open-Air Museum Strategy for Quanzhou's Cai Family Houses

Abstract

Traditional architectural heritage and craftsmanship face global preservation challenges. This study explores transforming Cai Family Houses in Quanzhou, China, into an open-air museum to preserve and showcase traditional craftsmanship. Employing spatial syntax analysis, observational studies, and a craftsmanship inventory, the research reveals significant potential for museum development. Existing spatial configurations align well with anticipated visitor patterns, requiring minimal structural alterations. The site houses a rich array of traditional skills and artifacts suitable for exhibition. An 'Open-air Museum' concept was developed, emphasizing community engagement and adaptive reuse, offering a sustainable conservation model that balances preservation with modern visitorship needs. This approach provides a promising solution for conserving Cai Family Houses and associated cultural heritage, with potential applications to similar sites globally.