Reimagining Traditional Ornamentation: Innovative Design of the Vernacular Architectural Heritage in Northwest Henan, China

The vernacular architectural ornamentation in Northwest Henan is a comprehensive system derived from regional culture and related factors.To explore this potential and align with local cultural industry development, this paper first analyzes the ornamentation types on various components of vernacular architecture.Then, this paper discusses the factors influencing the formation of motifs, including environmental constraints, the integration of Confucian culture and farming culture, the influence of religious symbols, and the impact of foreign cultures.Methodologically, the study adopts a triangulated qualitative approach, combining documentary analysis, participant observation, and systematic fieldwork across 32 traditional villages, supported by semi-structured interviews with 30 householders, three rounds of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 15 participants representing diverse roles.Drawing on this integrated dataset, this paper establishes specific guidelines for innovative design of ornamentation, which were subsequently validated by an expert panel of 15 specialists.The research results show that the vernacular architectural ornamentation is deeply rooted in agrarian culture, with motifs that contain symbolic meanings of the natural surroundings, lifestyles, folklore, and beliefs.The proposed multi-dimensional guidelines, grounded in regional culture and validated through multiple perspectives, offer a robust framework for balancing heritage preservation with the sustainable development of local cultural industries.