Research on Spatial Resource Evaluation and Renewal Models for Disused Railway Station Areas:A Case Study Based on the Western Mountainous Railways in Beijing

SHEN Minmin; WANG Yueyi; TANG Han; QIN Jian; WANG Shaohua; LI Xiao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.07.007

Abstract：This study addresses the underutilization of disused railway station spaces in the context of urban-rural public space resource allocation.Targeting renewal models were derived from a systematic classification and resource evaluation of railway station areas.A database,built from field surveys and geographic information,was used to evaluate 30 station areas along four typical railway lines in Beijing's western mountainous region,considering topography and development degree through the typological approach.These areas were divided into nine types.The spatial characteristics,typical forms,and resource potentials of each station type were systematically analyzed and evaluated,leading to the development of renewal models and strategies. A review of existing theoretical and practical studies on disused railway station spaces,both domestic and international,identified key research gaps informing the subsequent investigation.The status of 30 stations along four typical railway lines in Beijing's western mountainous region was then analyzed via field surveys and literature,covering spatial forms,idle conditions,and other relevant characteristics.Subsequently,POI(Point of Interest)and area data related to three types of resources-industry,ecology and cultural tourism-were collected,and resource density and area were analyzed using ArcGIS.Stations were then classified using a clustering method to identify those with resource advantages. For classification,disused railway station space was conceptualized as a spatial system comprising natural terrain,railway infrastructure,and rural settlement environments.Topographical categories were defined according to Beijing's municipal standards,and development intensity was assessed using the Spacematrix method.This approach identified nine distinct types of station areas.Subsequently,the spatial structures and organizational characteristics of each type were analyzed,their features summarized,and typical spatial cases extracted. At the resource evaluation level,the distribution and prominence of spatial resources were assessed.At the railway line level,resources were categorized into industrial,ecological and cultural tourism types,with significant variations observed.For example,Jingmen Railway was predominantly characterized by ecological resources;Fengsha Railway exhibited strong ecological advantages;Liangchen Railway paid equal attention to industries and cultural tourism;and Jingyuan Railway showed relatively balanced structures.At the station area level,plain-type stations primarily emphasized industrial resources,with some potential for cultural tourism.Shallow-mountain stations typically possess both ecological and cultural tourism resources,while deep-mountain stations predominantly offer ecological value.In summary,plain-type stations are best suited for industrial regeneration,whereas shallow-and deep-mountain stations show promise for ecological and cultural tourism development. Based on the preceding classification and resource evaluation,a two-level system of renewal models was proposed.At the railway line level,three renewal pathways were identified for Beijing's western mountainous railways:(1)cultural tourism-oriented renewal,emphasizing the integration of cultural heritage and natural landscapes to establish tourism corridors;(2)transport-oriented renewal,aligning with suburban railway development plans to restore commuter functions and support peri-urban tourism;and(3)ecological restoration-oriented renewal,focusing on ecological protection and sustainable green development.At the station area level,four distinct renewal models were proposed:(1)peri-urban mixed-use renewal,suitable for low-rise plain-type stations,integrating transportation and tourism functions;(2)suburban functional enhancement,targeting plain-type stations with higher development intensity to improve commercial and residential services;(3)culture-tourism integration,focusing on shallow-mountain stations and leveraging natural and industrial heritage resources;and(4)ecological conservation,applicable to deep-mountain stations,prioritizing ecological continuity with limited tourism-related facilities. In summary,this study establishes a systematic framework for the classification and resource evaluation of disused railway station spaces,proposes feasible renewal models,and offers both theoretical and practical guidance for renewal design and spatial reuse,particularly in mountainous regions.