A Study on the Protection and Utilization of Qiang Watchtowers from a Functionalist Perspective

As a traditional architecture of the Qiang nationality, the watchtowers are rich in culture and profound in value. The construction techniques and functional changes of the watchtowers deeply embody the Qiang people’s understanding of “functionalism”. However, since modern times, the Qiang watchtowers have been decreasing under the impact of economic construction. Professional scholars urgently need to conduct systematic research on watchtowers and propose protection and utilization strategies according to their current situation. Starting from the construction techniques and functional changes of Qiang watchtowers, this paper deeply studies their relationship on the basis of settlements, and proposes systematic protection and utilization strategies by means of empirical research, literature research, comparative analysis and qualitative analysis. Based on the research results, this paper proposes a protection strategy of “regional coordination, spatial integrity, architectural authenticity, and cultural diversity” and a utilization strategy of strengthening governance, promoting tourism, and integrating education on the basis of settlements. This article is devoted to promoting the protection and utilization of watchtowers and promoting the inheritance and development of national culture.