Viable solutions for renovating older Beijing courtyards

James Shen is Principal at the People's Architecture Office on Qihelou South Alley just east of the Forbidden City. Part of his work has been looking for viable solutions for renovating older areas. James and his colleagues have been involved recently with the Dashilar Project where the idea is not to pull down the entire area and rebuild but to look for more sustainable ways of developing. The results so far look good.

One idea that James explains is the 'plug-in' which involves simple ways of providing modern amenities within existing courtyards.

James today also shares his knowledge of the Dashilar area and of the history and construction of the property that he has helped renovate on Yangmeizhu Alley.

The project has revived considerable official and private support and this model of development is now scheduled to be used within other properties in the area.