TULOU: THE RAMMED EARTH DWELLINGS OF FUJIAN (CHINA). FUNCTIONAL, TYPOLOGICAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE FEATURES

Abstract. This research is focused on different aspects concerning two types of Tulou: Minnan and Hakka Tulou. Through the analysis of eight case studies, we managed to highlight the relation between typological-functional features and constructive ones aiming to offer a more orderly analysis of distinct models, divided into two substantially different families. Future studies will further analyse the knowledge of these rammed earth buildings by studying the phases of the construction site, conducting architectural surveys on the most important details and investigating the mechanical behaviour of both types. The future goal is the creation of a “Manuale del recupero dei Tulou” (Manual on Tulou restoration) in order to provide a guide for restoration and spread the knowledge about original materials and techniques applied in the construction of these unique rammed earth architectures. The research, which is currently ongoing, has been carried out by the Architecture Department of Roma Tre University in cooperation with Fuzhou University.