Research on Micro-renewal of Historic Buildings from the Perspective of Spatial Resilience:A Case Study Based on Xinhepu Historical and Cultural Block

SHENG Yuhong; YANG Yafeng; XIAN Huicong; SUN Xiaolong; TAO Jin; ZHAO Weiqi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2024.12.009

Abstract：Under the guidance of the current high-quality connotative development goal,urbanization is gradually shifting from"incremental expansion"to"optimization of existing stock".Urban renewal has become the dominant direction for future city development.In particular,historical and cultural blocks are key carriers of urban history and culture.How to facilitate modernization and sustainable development of blocks while protecting historical buildings has become a critical challenge for urban renewal.To explore how historical preservation can coexist with sustainable urban development,a case study was conducted based on Xinhepu Historic and Cultural Block,one of Guangzhou's first designated historical protection areas.The development trajectory and challenges against the block were analyzed from the perspective of spatial resilience by combining field survey,literature analysis,and participatory research.The role and performances of a micro-renewal strategy in historical building protection and modern urban development were discussed. The Xinhepu Historic and Cultural Block is distinguished by its unique fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles,particularly its exposed brick construction.However,the block has encountered a range of issues with progress in urbanization,including disorganized spatial layouts,aging infrastructure,and ambiguity of cultural identity.These issues diminish the block's vitality and threaten the preservation and inheritance of its historical architecture.Based on emphasizing spatial resilience on adaptation and restoration of urban space systems to various impacts and pressure,this study attempts to integrate historical buildings and surrounding material infrastructure with the social network of the block.It does so through small-scale,low-cost,and progressive micro-renewal strategies to improve the multifunctionality of historical buildings in blocks,strengthen their structural stability and functional adaptability,and finally bring new vitality to historical buildings. Research indicates that micro-renewal strategies achieve a certain degree of balance between preserving historic buildings and block development.The renewal strategies for the Xinhepu Historic and Cultural Block primarily focus on building space,infrastructure,and block culture.These three aspects integrate mutually and assume different roles in protecting historical buildings and facilitating sustainable development of the block.Integrating the building space with the surrounding environment can improve the overall environmental quality of the block and enhance the connectivity of space in the block.Renewal of landscape facilities improves block vitality and space experience effectively.The innovative integration of traditional appearance and modern technology inherits the culture of historical buildings and strengthens the modern interpretation of culture.This aligns with the current theme of sustainable development of historical buildings. Generally,guided by spatial resilience,using micro-renewal strategies in renewing the Xinhepu Historic and Cultural Block can protect historical buildings and improve the block's vitality.It can realize the win-win outcome of historical context protection and modern sustainable development.It provides some references to the renewal of similar historical blocks in China.Future studies can further discuss the applicability of micro-renewal strategies to different types of historical blocks Moreover,studies on how to promote the use and practice of micro-renewal strategies through policy support and community participation to realize more extensive protection and renaissance of historical cultural blocks are needed.