A Study of Micro-renewal Strategies for Waterfront Public Spaces from the Perspective of Spatial Rhythm

MU Sufu; CAO Fucun

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.07.009

Abstract：With the advent of the urban stock renewal phase,micro-renewal has replaced large-scale demolition and reconstruction as a key strategy for enhancing urban quality,playing a significant role in promoting the sustainable development of old urban areas.Considering a people-centered urban development approach,waterfront public spaces-fundamental elements for improving urban quality of life-must evolve from simple physical environmental improvement to human-centric spatial development.This study explored spatial forms that align with users' daily life states from the perspective of spatial rhythm,aiming to provide strategic references for the micro-renewal of aging waterfront public spaces. First,a theoretical framework of spatial rhythm-composed of site ambiance,crowd rhythm,and temporal patterns-was established based on Lefebvre's rhythm analysis theory.Moreover,the applicability of spatial rhythm and micro-renewal was clarified,and a micro-level practical framework was proposed,laying foundations for strategic implementation.Second,three influencing factors were identified from the rhythm analysis theory:physical activities(primary factor),crowd density,and temporal patterns(secondary factors),along with their corresponding analytical methods.Specifically,physical activities were recorded through behavioral observation,and physical activity level was assessed using metabolic equivalents(METs).Crowd density was analyzed comprehensively by combining field surveys and Baidu Heat Map data using ArcGIS's natural breaks classification method.Thus,the theoretical framework,macro-level application model,spatial rhythm's influencing factors,and analytical method based on field survey were established. Based on the established macro-level application framework and methods,four interconnected mechanisms and their internal systems were constructed,forming a comprehensive micro-renewal practice system grounded in spatial rhythm.The first mechanism elucidated the relationship between influencing factors and spatial rhythm:physical activities,crowd density,and temporal patterns each comprised three sub-elements that collectively define three spatial rhythm types(fast,slow,and regular).Crowd density and physical activities determined the rhythm type,while temporal patterns reflected variations,together shaping the daily spatial rhythm. The second mechanism elaborated the definition criteria for these spatial rhythm types and temporal patterns,based primarily on rhythm analysis theory and physical activities,supported by secondary factors.This revealed how three-tiered sub-elements could form nine combination modes,and how temporal patterns and the temporal scale of rhythm revealed the variation laws of spatial rhythm;data on physical activities and crowd density within the area in the mornings,afternoons and evenings in the area were recorded,summarized and analyzed,thereby disclosing variations of rhythm. The third mechanism analyzed spatial rhythm.Macro-level analysis defined the area's spatial rhythm types(mornings,afternoons,and evenings)and their correlation with spatial construction directions.Micro-level analysis examined local nodes and user activity characteristics under fast,slow,or regular rhythms,identifying nuanced crowd distribution patterns linked to specific functions,quantities,node spaces,and functional layouts. Finally,the fourth mechanism involved proposing micro-renewal strategies derived from both macro and micro analyses,ensuring alignment with overall and local spatial rhythms.These four nested mechanisms constitute a complete application mechanism from theory to practice.The strategies were specifically implemented in spaces of Xinghai Bay Bathing Beach in Dalian,providing a micro-renewal strategy aligned with the site's rhythm for this old waterfront public space built in 1997.