International Workshop on the Survey, Documentation, and Conservation Planning of Historic Vernacular Architecture
A Case Study of Wall Paintings and Architectural Finishes in Yuyuan Village. The Institute for Conservation–Restoration (IKR) at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and the Department of Conservation at the China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, continued their international academic exchange in the framework of the Erasmus + Program International Credit Mobility through a two-week project focused on the conservation of architectural surfaces and wall paintings. Representing Vienna were teaching staff Dr. MSc. Gesa Schwantes and Mag. Maria Brand, together with student Natalie Ng.
During the first week in Hangzhou, staff and students from both institutions shared their teaching, research, and conservation projects through a series of lectures and discussions on campus, fostering dialogue on current approaches and methodologies in conservation. The second week was dedicated to fieldwork in Yuyuan Village, Wuyi County, Zhejiang Province, where participants investigated historic Ming- and Qing-dynasty residences. These buildings preserve decorative wall paintings distinguished by their varied subject matter and accomplished brushwork, forming an important ensemble of domestic mural decoration within Zhejiang's vernacular architectural heritage.
The programme combined academic exchange with practical conservation training, beginning with a series of lectures and student presentations on conservation methodologies, teaching approaches and case studies from China and Austria. In the second week, participants undertook a detailed investigation of four Ming- and Qing-dynasty residences in Yuyuan Village, examining their wall paintings through documentation, material analysis and environmental measurements. The fieldwork provided an opportunity to connect theoretical approaches with hands-on investigation and to jointly develop ideas for future conservation interventions.