Forum on Hakka Tulous: Lessons to Be Learned, Past, Present and Future
Including Launch of the International Hakka Tulou Alliance (IHTA) (in Mandarin & English)
Time: June 24, 2009, 2:30 -6:00 PM Place: Xiamen University, Xiamen China
Constructed Facilities Center West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
ASH-Autonomous & Sustainable Housing Inc, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
Introduction: Rammed earth is a sustainable construction material due to many benefits for the environment including: 1) natural (non processed) material, 2) universal availability, 3) durability, 4) recyclability, 5) low embodied energy, 6) low CO2 missions, 7) high thermal mass, 8) traditional construction method, and 9) low cost for material, construction, transportation. Hakka Tulous in Fujian Province of China, reflect the importance of historical precedents, universal evolution, emerging innovation and advancement in the science and engineering of rammed earth construction, from 8th century to 20th century. Tulous can be considered as “EcoVillages” of best practices for planet earth’s sustainability in their planning, design,construction, lifestyle, resource management, micro industries, renewable energy, recycling of human and animal waste,and a low ecological footprint. This forum will interest leading academics, architects, builders, developers and suppliers.
Objectives: This forum will serve to demonstrate how the sustainability of Hakka village architecture built hundreds of years ago and still in partial use today, bridge the past, present and future, with exemplary lessons for our modern world. This forum will also serve as the official launch of the International Hakka Tulou Alliance to help save, preserve and revitalize Hakka Villages for our common world heritage and a more sustainable future of planet earth.
Co-Chairs: Hota Gangarao, Professor and Director, CFC-WVU
Ying Lei, Professor and Associate Dean, ACE-XMU
Tentative Agenda: (Each presentation will allow 5 minutes for questions and discussions.)
2:30 - 2:40 Opening Remarks and Introduction – Ying Lei
2:40 - 2:50 Speech by Distinguished Guest TBD
2:50 - 3:15 Overview of Hakka Tulou Architecture – Minoru Ueda
3:15 - 3:40 Fujian Tulou and Science: A US NSF Project Prospectus – Liang/Hota
3:40 - 4:05 UN Hakka Biosphere and Tulou Retrofit – Jorg/Helen Ostrowski
4:05 - 4:30 Group Photo and Break
4:30 - 4:55 Presentation by Distinguished Guest TBD
4:55 - 5:15 Applying Hakka Wisdom to Future Sustainable Structures: Proposal - Liang/Ostrowski/Lei/Hota
5:15 - 5:30 International Center for Rammed Earth Construction and Sustainable Living: Proposal - Ostrowski/Liang
5:30 - 5:45 International Hakka Tulou Alliance (IHTA): Proposal - Liang/ Ostrowski
5:45 - 5:55 Speech by Distinguished Guest TBD
5:55 - 6:00 Concluding Remarks – Hota Gangarao
6:30 Banquet for invited guests only
For more information, please contact and register with: Ruifeng Liang, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (304) 293 2111 x 2623,
Jorg Ostrowski, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (403) 239 1882, Ying Lei, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NO COST. Please POST or FORWARD. THANK YOU for your support & attendance.
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