In the last two decades, evolution of dwellings has taken place in many Mosuo villages as a result of tourism and modernisation. Traditionally, the houses are made of timber, but now replaced by concrete; the original roofing was shingle but now changed into tiles of low costs; residents and domestic animals used to live in the same courtyard but now they are separated. This contrast indicates an evolution of architectural style from a strong tradition to a modern expression.
My research focuses on the relationship between the Mosuo dwellings as ‘inhabited space’, architectural form and its evolution under the impact of cultural and social changes. I examine how these changes are reflected in new architectural forms. Titled 'Cultural Architectural Assets: a new framework to study changes and continuity of dwellings of Mosuo tribes in transitions', my doctoral thesis provides a new framework of interpreting changes and continuity of Mosuo dwellings. Specifically, I deal with the following questions:
- How does the Mosuo dwelling and its culture evolve and continue in the contemporary context?
- What new framework can be developed to examine the relationship between architectural form, ways of living and culture?
- How can vernacular architecture be protected and developed in the changing context?