Symbiotic Design for Tropical Heritage: An Adaptive Conservation Framework for Fujia Vernacular Residence of China

This study presents an adaptive conservation framework for the Fujia Residence, a vernacular house located in the tropical region of Hainan, China. The primary aim of this study is to develop a symbiotic design approach that integrates GIS spatial analysis, modular design, and community participation to ensure the long-term sustainability, cultural preservation, and resilience of vernacular housing in tropical regions. The framework leverages GIS data, including elevation, temperature distribution, ecological features, and water systems, to inform the design, ensuring it is both disaster-resilient and environmentally adaptive. The modular design components, such as prefabricated structures and flexible spaces, offer a sustainable and adaptable solution to meet residents’ needs while preserving cultural heritage. The community participation model, incorporating a revenue-sharing mechanism and government subsidies, encourages the long-term involvement of local residents in the maintenance and protection of the residence. The outcome of this study demonstrates that the proposed framework provides a replicable model for cultural heritage preservation in tropical and economically underdeveloped regions, offering a scalable and adaptable solution to address the challenges of vernacular housing conservation in similar contexts.