Project Plum Grove is a groundbreaking design-research initiative that redefines rural revitalisation in remote Hong Kong villages. Using Mui Tsz Lam village as a prototype, this project combines architectural restoration with sustainable placemaking to pioneer an integrated approach to revitalize declining villages. Over five years, the government-funded university-village partnership achieved transformative results through two phases: restoring derelict dwellings for communal use, empowering returning villagers, attracting newcomers to rebuild rural communities.

Phase One overcame logistical and material challenges and revitalized two ruined structures, Old House and Mural House, into experimental restorations adopting co-creative, in-situ, light-touch solutions. The project engaged long-term returning villagers alongside students and volunteers to catalyse a whole host of villager-driven improvements. Phase Two further transformed Old House into a permanent multipurpose community hub for the village. Integrating traditional with modern revitalization techniques, the redesign incorporated innovative sustainable materials and technologies while fostering a renewed sense of community.

The Plum Grove prototype has been replicated in successive larger projects. In five years, this has attracted over 43 million Hong Kong dollars in funding, reviving six villages, engaging 4300+ participants. Regenerating places to reconnect people via a collaborative process, this holistic model has been recognised and reapplied by NGO, corporations and governments beyond Hong Kong.

Photography: School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong