Landscape evaluation of residential historic districts in Nanjing, China, in the context of urban renewal

Abstract

In recent years, with the significant acceleration of urbanization in China, the trajectory of urban development has undergone profound changes. The traditional model of development, which focused primarily on new district development and outward expansion, has gradually shifted towards a path emphasizing the renovation of old cities and urban renewal. In the process of urban renewal in historical districts, these areas often find themselves in a vulnerable position. They carry a rich historical and cultural heritage, forming an essential part of the city’s memory, and thus, their precious historical heritage urgently needs proper protection. Particularly, residential historical districts, which still house a large number of residents, serve not only as homes for the inhabitants but also as living representations of the city’s historical and cultural legacy. Protecting these districts is crucial not only for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage but also for improving residents’ living conditions and enhancing their well-being. This thesis attempts to study and analyze the residential historical districts of Little West Lake residential historic district and Lotus Pond residential historic district in Nanjing from a landscape perspective. By employing expert questionnaire methods, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE), a landscape evaluation system for residential historical districts is constructed. Public questionnaires are distributed to collect residents’ evaluations of the two districts. The residential historical landscape evaluation system is then applied to specifically analyze the landscape characteristics of Little West Lake and Lotus Pond, and propose strategies for the landscape protection and renewal of residential historical districts in Nanjing.