Diejiao Ancient Street Renewal: Reviving Cultural Heritage Through Community-Centered Urban Design

The Renovation of Diejiao Ancient Street by Atelier cnS represents a transformative approach to urban regeneration, heritage conservation, and community-driven design in Foshan, China. Spanning over 25,400 square meters and completed in 2022, the project reimagines a historic settlement with nearly a thousand years of cultural continuity while responding to the pressures of rapid urbanization.

Rooted in the alluvial plains formed by the Xijiang and Beijiang rivers, Diejiao—also known as Shuangxi—has long been a vibrant marketplace enriched by traditional Cantonese culture. The project seeks to preserve this identity while introducing sustainable urban renewal strategies and adaptive reuse techniques.

Historical Context and Cultural Significance

Diejiao’s origins date back to 1101 AD, with its spatial and cultural fabric shaped by water systems and centuries of community life. The area is renowned for its intangible cultural heritage, including dragon boat festivals, Cantonese opera, and lion dance traditions. One of the most iconic cultural events, the “dragon boat drift,” transforms narrow waterways into dynamic public arenas filled with spectators.

These traditions form the backbone of the design strategy, emphasizing cultural continuity, placemaking, and experiential urban environments.

Challenges of the Existing Urban Fabric

Prior to intervention, the site suffered from environmental degradation, structural decay, and unregulated development. The built fabric consisted primarily of low-rise brick-and-wood houses, many of which had deteriorated into unsafe conditions.

Informal extensions, illegal constructions, and the intrusion of industrial buildings disrupted the original village morphology. This fragmentation highlighted the urgent need for context-sensitive urban renewal and architectural restoration.

A New Vision: Community Co-Construction and Cultural Commerce

Atelier cnS redefined the site as a community co-construction-oriented cultural and commercial experience district. The design strategy revolves around three core pillars:

Public Participation and Social Sustainability

A key aspect of the project is the active involvement of local residents in the design and construction process. By preserving indigenous housing and allowing daily life to continue during renovation, the architects ensured social continuity and user-driven urban transformation.

This participatory model fosters a sense of ownership while maintaining the authentic urban vitality of the ancient street.

Commercial Revitalization and Economic Resilience

The project integrates traditional commerce with contemporary retail experiences, creating a hybrid economic ecosystem. Existing businesses such as herbal pharmacies, handicraft shops, and textile stores were preserved, while new programs—including cafes, boutique retail, and homestays—were introduced.

This layered commercial strategy enhances economic sustainability, tourism appeal, and local entrepreneurship, ensuring long-term viability.

Cultural Revival and Architectural Preservation

Cultural preservation lies at the heart of the intervention. Historic structures such as Shuangxi Teahouse, Tujia Hall, and Lishantang were carefully restored and adapted for contemporary use.

Rather than merely replicating the past, the architects employed a hybrid architectural language, blending traditional forms with modern spatial typologies. This approach creates a dialogue between old and new, enabling organic architectural evolution.

Design Strategy: Organic Renewal and Spatial Integration

The renovation adopts a multi-dimensional design approach, balancing heritage conservation with modern urban needs. Instead of a uniform redevelopment strategy, the project embraces incremental interventions, adaptive reuse, and contextual design solutions.

Spatially, the design reconnects fragmented urban elements, restores pedestrian networks, and enhances public spaces. Material choices and architectural details reflect local craftsmanship while incorporating contemporary aesthetics.

Sustainable Urban Regeneration and Future Impact

The Diejiao Ancient Street project stands as a model for sustainable urban regeneration in historic contexts. By prioritizing community engagement, cultural preservation, and economic activation, it demonstrates how aging urban areas can be revitalized without losing their identity.

This project highlights the importance of placemaking, cultural sustainability, and inclusive design, offering valuable insights for similar heritage renewal initiatives worldwide.

The transformation of Diejiao Ancient Street is not just a physical renovation but a holistic urban revival. Through a careful balance of tradition and innovation, Atelier cnS has created a dynamic environment where history, culture, and modern life coexist seamlessly.

All photographs are works of  Siming Wu