Night scene in a traditional Beijing Hutong. Many of these narrow alleyways have stood since the 13th century, the time of the Yuan Dynasty.
Night scene in a traditional Beijing Hutong. Many of these narrow alleyways have stood since the 13th century, the time of the Yuan Dynasty.
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The Hutongs are dotted around the Chinese capital. They are popular attractions for tourists, offering some respite from an increasingly hectic city.
The Hutongs are dotted around the Chinese capital. They are popular attractions for tourists, offering some respite from an increasingly hectic city.
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The pathways run alongside traditional houses with courtyards, forming close knit-neighborhoods.
The pathways run alongside traditional houses with courtyards, forming close knit-neighborhoods.
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The Hutong neighborhoods have historically supported a communal way of life, with neighbors playing traditional games together.
The Hutong neighborhoods have historically supported a communal way of life, with neighbors playing traditional games together.
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The majority of Hutongs have been demolished as Beijing pursues a path of rapid modernization. By some estimates, as few as 500 remain, down from over 3,000 in 1949.
The majority of Hutongs have been demolished as Beijing pursues a path of rapid modernization. By some estimates, as few as 500 remain, down from over 3,000 in 1949.
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Many Hutongs have been replaced with new developments, such as this shopping and entertainment complex in one of Beijing's oldest districts.
Many Hutongs have been replaced with new developments, such as this shopping and entertainment complex in one of Beijing's oldest districts.
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Most of the remaining Hutongs are protected, but there are widespread problems with a lack of insulation and sewage facilities.
Most of the remaining Hutongs are protected, but there are widespread problems with a lack of insulation and sewage facilities.
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Architecture firm the People's Architecture Office (PAO) is seeking to rehabilitate Hutong homes through the use of a plugin modules, formed of steel and glass panels, which contain insulation, wiring, and windows.
Architecture firm the People's Architecture Office (PAO) is seeking to rehabilitate Hutong homes through the use of a plugin modules, formed of steel and glass panels, which contain insulation, wiring, and windows.
Peoples Architecture Office
The panels can be fitted together on site, and installation takes only a day. The modules cost $500 per square meter, compared with the average Beijing price of $5,000 per square meter.
The panels can be fitted together on site, and installation takes only a day. The modules cost $500 per square meter, compared with the average Beijing price of $5,000 per square meter.
Peoples Architecture Office
The plugin can be installed inside or outside Hutong homes without damaging the original features.
The plugin can be installed inside or outside Hutong homes without damaging the original features.
peoples architecture office
The panels allow users to configure the modules to suit their needs.
The panels allow users to configure the modules to suit their needs.
Peoples Architecture Office
Skylights offer additional light.
Skylights offer additional light.
Peoples Architecture Office
Doors open outward to save space, and the modules have provision for an outdoor shower.
Doors open outward to save space, and the modules have provision for an outdoor shower.
Peoples Architecture Office
The PAO has completed a government-sponsored trial in the Dashilar district and is now moving on to serve private clients.
The PAO has completed a government-sponsored trial in the Dashilar district and is now moving on to serve private clients.
Peoples Architecture Office
PAO Co-founder James Shen hopes to install thousands of the plugin units, and believes they can revitalize the hutong neighborhoods.
PAO Co-founder James Shen hopes to install thousands of the plugin units, and believes they can revitalize the hutong neighborhoods.
Peoples Architecture Office