Field study

"China is in great need of people who excel at rural development. But it's not as simple as just building or transforming houses in the countryside. It's about how to revitalize an entire village," says Lyu, who has devoted much of his time in rural development in Guizhou province, which is home to many ethnic groups.

Lyu has been involved in the rural reconstruction of at least three villages in Guizhou province, like many other architects who have worked in rural China to help design or redevelop rural areas.

In 2016, he repaired traditional houses, rebuilt village schools, set up weaving workshop and porcelain-making studio by transforming ruined houses in Banwan, a remote village surrounded by mountains that is inhabited by the ethnic Buyi people.

Lyu will showcase his architectural works at the village at the Venice Biennale of Architecture in May.

"It's more than just a job for an architect. I had to use all the resources I have to help them revitalize the village," Lyu says.

Last year, Lyu helped find college teachers to train more than 400 female village artisans who make their living from weaving and embroidery to adapt their homemade products to suit a wider market. He will return to another village in Guizhou later this month to help promote a healthier lifestyle through better hygiene and keeping their houses clean and tidy.