Page 80 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Regeneration of Xinmalu, Ningbo

roof forms. importance of intangible processes inherent in the social
(ii) Pedestrian environment prioritization: This principle condition of space. More importantly, this recognition
promotes a pedestrian-friendly environment by marks a shift from preservationism to social constructivism,
establishing car-free zones and regulating parking and where spatial planning creates associative narratives within
car use. a dynamic temporal continuum. This shift also implies a
(iii) Micro-transformation: This principle encourages radical repositioning of local communities as providers
controlled, smaller interventions aimed at improving of orientation and inspiration in the planning process,
living conditions while respecting historical buildings allowing for various forms of heritage appropriation.
from different eras.
Local businesses facilitated Ningbo’s downtown
(iv) Adaptation to modern needs: This principle allows for redevelopment by deploying local state enterprises to
the introduction of new functions and spaces to meet start strategic urban regeneration projects. This approach
the needs of modern lifestyles.
allowed for a more dynamic form of urban regeneration,
These principles are well-founded and are designed enabling constant changes in the relationships between
to attract footfall and new activities to the area while spaces and their users, as well as among various space
preserving and retelling the story of Shikumen and users (Zhang, 2016). As the study demonstrated, creating
its international relations. However, the commercial a dialogue with business owners and real estate developers
format adopted in the planning process may risk over- helps establish a win-win situation for all parties involved.
programming, which could hinder the desired level of The study also highlighted the value of engaging the
innovation and creativity, and may not optimally support community across different social stratifications, ages, and
the development of new industries and attractive functions. backgrounds. Such engagement is not only beneficial for
A potential improvement would be to incorporate a mix creating a new planning vision but also enhances the sense
of shops, workshops, and commercial formats in planning of belonging when residents feel relevant and their voices
for Deiji Alley, catering to both tourists and locals. are heard and valued.
Encouraging upper-floor dwellings would also help ensure When viewed holistically within a broader historical,
a rich mix in the future fabric of the area.
ecological, economic, and political context, the approach
Furthermore, the architectural style guide attempts adopted is balanced with a long-term perspective articulated
to address the complex concept of “authenticity.” The around heritage value and aspired community development
main approach is to maintain a clear contrast between and prosperity. Evolving global concepts address heritage
old and new by establishing clear boundaries between within a broader perspective, balancing the past with
historical materials and newly introduced parts. While present realities and future aspirations. A brief insight into
this principle is generally sound for preserving historical the policy framework indicates that this transformation can
areas, it offers limited guidance on how to manage new be observed in the urban landscape through projects such
adjacent developments. Interestingly, the NBPI aims to as Xinmalu. The suggested practices of urban renewal and
explore a potential logical relationship between newly balanced development focus on protecting the past while
evolved elements and historic elements. If executed well, realigning it with future use. A holistic approach fueled by
this approach will deepen the understanding of historical local innovation within an ecosystem of visionary political
buildings. Developing guidelines that encourage creativity will is the way forward. For Ningbo, leveraging insights
while respecting historic value is preferred over simply from initiatives such as bike-sharing and water-based
replicating existing buildings. The Shikumen style has landscapes offers numerous possibilities. Therefore, this
demonstrated its flexibility over time and has the potential study calls for a shift in how authorities and communities
to evolve further within its own style, as illustrated by an engage with heritage areas and traditional city cores. It is
example in this study. essential to acknowledge that heritage is meant for people
to interact with, not merely for tourists to observe. In
7. Discussion addition, it is important to understand that heritage serves
Historic cities face tremendous changes and challenges as a foundation for economic diversification and is thus a
today. Therefore, policies and governance related to catalyst for community development. The following points
conserving urban contexts are critical to sustaining their summarize how the selected projects in Ningbo succeeded
long-term heritage value. A discussion on the current in creating unique spatial and social experiences:
policy framework in China underscores the political will • Providing vibrant, livable, and entertaining
to safeguard both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. connections with the past
The recognition of space as a social product emphasizes the • Providing new spatial experiences at both national

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 12 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2623