Often, when we think of innovative approaches to design and living, we often look to highfalutin conceptual renders and abstract futurist thinkers. But the Hakka Tulou “apartments” in in Yongding county, Fujian province suggest that different ideas about organizing living space can from any time.

The buildings were constructed with defense in mind, and they not only have solid walls up to six feet thick but their massive size also allows them to store weeks’ supply of food and water. They contain a mixture of private apartments and shared communal space.

Perhaps most fascinating, however, is the simple fact that these are not historical ‘ruins’ – they are still lived in and used today. Their inhabitants, secluded in their lifestyles, are less impacted by China’s rapid technologization and change over the past century.

The photos you see here were taken by Toronto photographer Ryan Pyle, who explored the buildings on a recent trip through China.

[Source: dornob]