What is it about?

After the Rural Revitalization Strategy was formally put forward in the report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017, the protection and utilization of traditional villages and towns have received significant attention from China’s academic circle and society as an important aspect of the strategy. Although many Chinese traditional villages and towns have been reconstructed successfully, there are still relatively limited academic studies on the assessment of their performance after utilization. It is a challenge that has to be solved urgently for current academic studies on traditional village protection and updating to develop village renovation techniques to provide a suitable living environment and protect traditional regional characteristics. Therefore, a systematic study on traditional village protection in China based on demonstration areas has important academic and practical significance in implementing the rural revitalization strategy and promoting overall urban-rural development. A post-use quantitative evaluation system of traditional villages and towns was established in the present study by introducing the leading space syntax theoretical technology in the field of urban morphological analysis and combining with the AHP-fuzzy comprehensive method, combining existing qualitative and quantitative analysis means. Moreover, reconstruction strategies of traditional villages and towns were proposed according to feedback information from evaluation results. Results showed that (1) according to a case study based on typical traditional villages and towns in Shawan Ancient Town in Guangzhou City, the post-utilization evaluation system of public space in traditional villages and towns demonstrates applicability and generalizability. (2) From 2010 to 2020, the highly integrated network of Shawan Ancient Town formed a ‘cross’ pattern. The accessibility and traffic capacity of the road network improved to a certain extent after the renovation. (3) Public space in Shawan Ancient Town is ranked as ‘good’ concerning cultural construction, while the functional evaluation and economic, social effects are ‘moderate’. Finally, a public space protection and renewal framework of traditional villages and towns was established from the perspectives of an optimized spatial layout of ancient towns, enhancing users’ satisfaction and actively conducting cultural activities. This study is expected to provide scientific references to rebuild rural images and inherit regional context.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The article is important for the following reasons: 1. **Addressing the research gap**: Despite the successful reconstruction of many traditional villages and towns in China, there are relatively limited academic studies on the assessment of their performance after utilization. This article fills this gap by establishing a post-use quantitative evaluation system. 2. **Providing a systematic study**: It conducts a systematic study on traditional village protection based on demonstration areas, which has important academic and practical significance in implementing the rural revitalization strategy and promoting overall urban-rural development. 3. **Introducing innovative methods**: The article introduces the leading space syntax theoretical technology in the field of urban morphological analysis and combines it with the AHP - fuzzy comprehensive method, providing a new approach to evaluating public space in traditional villages and towns. 4. **Case study and practical implications**: Through the case study of Shawan Ancient Town in Guangzhou City, the article demonstrates the applicability and generalizability of the post - utilization evaluation system. It also provides a public space protection and renewal framework based on the evaluation results, which can provide scientific references for rebuilding rural images and inheriting regional context. 5. **Contributing to policy and practice**: The findings and methodologies of the study contribute to the implementation of rural revitalization strategies and promote sustainable development that respects regional characteristics. 6. **Highlighting future directions**: The article suggests the need for continuous academic inquiry and practical interventions to develop innovative techniques for the sustainability of living environments in traditional villages and towns, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach between conservation and modern utilization.

Perspectives

The article "Utilization Evaluation of Public Space in Traditional Villages and Towns from the Perspective of Space Syntax" by Chen Jianhua, Sun Suping, Lin Kefeng, and Lin Jia examines the use and conservation of public spaces in traditional Chinese villages and towns. Here are the key perspectives presented: Importance of Conservation and Utilization: Since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017, the conservation and utilization of traditional villages and towns have gained significant attention. This focus is both academic and societal, as these areas are seen as vital aspects of China's cultural heritage and strategic development. Space Syntax Methodology: The study employs space syntax as a methodological tool to analyze the spatial configuration of public spaces in traditional settlements. Space syntax is used to understand how the physical layout influences social interactions and accessibility within these areas. Challenges in Revitalization: The paper discusses the challenges associated with revitalizing traditional villages and towns. These include maintaining the delicate balance between modern development and the preservation of historical and cultural characteristics. Limited Academic Studies: Although there have been successful cases of reconstruction, the article notes a relative scarcity of academic studies evaluating the performance and effectiveness of these conservation and utilization efforts. This gap points to the need for more systematic research in this area. Policy and Practice Significance: The findings and methodologies presented in the study hold both academic and practical significance. They contribute to the implementation of rural revitalization strategies and promote sustainable development that respects regional characteristics. Future Directions: The article suggests that continuous academic inquiry and practical interventions are essential for developing innovative techniques that can ensure the sustainability of living environments in traditional villages and towns. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that integrates traditional conservation with modern utilization strategies, supported by thorough academic research and practical applications.

Viser Technology

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Post-utilization Evaluation of Public Space in Traditional Villages and Towns from the Perspective of Space Syntax, Journal of South Architecture, March 2024, Viser Technology Pte Ltd,
DOI: 10.33142/jsa.v1i1.10432.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page