Duling Educational and Cultural Centre by Elisabeth Lee: Sustainable Learning in Hakka Village

Nestled in the lush countryside of Guigang, China, the Duling Educational and Cultural Centre by Elisabeth Lee stands as a testament to culturally sensitive and sustainable architecture. Completed in 2024, this 500 m² project was developed through the Project Mingde platform at the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with students and professional mentors, aiming to address the educational, social, and environmental needs of the Hakka village of Duling.

Responding to Local Challenges

Duling is a serene Hakka village home to around 3,000 residents, where education, community values, and traditional ways of life are deeply ingrained. Despite regular rainfall, the village historically faced a scarcity of fresh water, which posed significant hygiene and health challenges, particularly for children. Elisabeth Lee’s design responds to these local challenges, integrating sustainability, cultural heritage, and modern educational needs into a cohesive architectural solution.

Phase One, Renovation and Hygiene

The project was executed in two key phases. The first phase focused on renovating the existing school, strengthening its structural integrity and adding a protective roof to shield the building from weather-related deterioration. A sustainable toilet facility was also introduced, directly addressing pressing hygiene concerns. This phase laid the groundwork for creating a safe, functional, and welcoming educational environment.

Phase Two, Kindergarten and Cultural Centre

The second phase expanded the community’s resources with the construction of a kindergarten and cultural centre. The design cleverly transforms heavy rainfall into a sustainable resource, capturing rainwater through a cascading roof system. The water is collected in a lotus-shaped pond, then filtered and stored in an underground recycling system, providing clean water for use within the building. This approach not only resolves the village’s water scarcity but also celebrates Hakka cultural symbolism, as the lotus pond embodies education, growth, and harmony.

Flexible and Community-Centric Spaces

The interiors of the Duling Educational and Cultural Centre prioritize openness, versatility, and user interaction. Classrooms can seamlessly connect with outdoor spaces, supporting flexible configurations that adapt to a variety of educational and community activities. This flexible layout fosters social engagement, learning, and cultural exchange, ensuring that the building serves as both an educational hub and a vibrant community centre.

Cultural Sensitivity and Sustainability

Elisabeth Lee’s design balances modern sustainability principles with cultural reverence. Materials, topography, airflow, and landscape views were thoughtfully considered to create a low-impact, resilient, and climate-responsive architecture. The project exemplifies how ethical and human-centered design can transform a rural village, creating spaces that strengthen community bonds and encourage intergenerational learning.

Legacy and Impact

Beyond its architectural and functional achievements, the Duling Educational and Cultural Centre embodies philosophical and ethical values, emphasizing humanity, compassion, and respect for local culture. By integrating sustainable strategies with cultural heritage, Elisabeth Lee has created a space where education, community, and environmental stewardship coexist, leaving a lasting impact on both villagers and visitors.