Development Mechanisms for Local Consumption Spaces in the Renewal of Old Urban Courtyards:A Case Study of No.7 Courtyard,Yulin South Road,Chengdu,China
ZHANG Jing
SU Li
CAO Yingqi
TANG Yunxiao
Abstract：The advent of globalization has significantly influenced the evolution of urban spaces,resulting in a complex landscape characteristic of both standardization and diversification.In this context,establishing local consumption spaces while improving the human environment has become a prominent concern in China's urban renewal efforts.Based on the space production theory,this study investigated the development of local consumption spaces based on the No.7 Courtyard renewal project on Yulin South Road,Chengdu.Research results provide theoretical and empirical insights into current urban renewal practices.
A case study of the spatial evolution of No.7 Courtyard was carried out by conducting a literature review,field survey,semi-structured interviews,non-participatory observations,and other methodologies.It found that local consumption spaces were characterized by"two-stage dynamic interactions."In the first stage,space planners took a dominant role.Focusing on social governance and asset revitalization,they developed new infrastructure,created cultural displays,and established modernized and standardized spaces by removing illegal structures and adopting other spatial optimization strategies.Based on their efforts,a composite and multifaceted"community+park"streetscape was formed.In the second stage,users such as residents and merchants took a dominant role.They established localized and diversified consumption spaces through social reconstruction,re-expression of local memories,and symbolic differentiation and other spatial practices,thus rebuilding the social landscape and fostering more connected social relations.Through the interaction and integration of"top-down"and"bottom-up"approaches in two stages,unique consumption spaces were ultimately produced.This study further found that policy-oriented structural power and daily life-oriented dynamic power are key driving forces in the establishment of local consumption spaces in old courtyards.While these influences had a notable role in the establishment of consumption spaces,the day-to-day activities of residents and owners in the second stage of development were a significant contributor to the uniqueness of spaces.Nevertheless,the establishment of consumption spaces also led to the spatial alienation and submersion of living spaces by consumption spaces,continuously transforming the courtyards.
This study holds significant theoretical and practical implications.Theoretically,it constructs an analytical framework for understanding the establishment of consumption spaces during China's urban renewal based on the interaction between critiques of daily life and spatial production.This framework demonstrates the feasibility of examining consumption space culture according to the requirements of daily life.Practically,the No.7 Courtyard has been revitalized through the engagement of multiple stakeholders,creating a variety of uses and serving as a practical example for the establishment of consumption spaces in old courtyards.However,as a micro-case study,the analytical framework requires further empirical testing and refinement.Based on the research conclusions,three urban renewal policy approaches were proposed:First,the study suggests reinforcing the"two-stage synergy"mechanism by reserving resources and institutional space during the initial planning stage and empowering various stakeholders to participate in the subsequent revitalization phase.Second,it advocates for prioritizing the census and revitalization of"local assets,"creating unique consumption spaces based on stock assets and limiting over-commercialization.Third,a supervisory mechanism should be established to prevent"spatial alienation"and protect the rights and interests of native residents.This mechanism should ensure their spatial and participatory rights are upheld through dynamic monitoring and feedback,avoiding the gentrification of consumption spaces.
Keywords：urban renewalconsumption spacespatial productiondaily lifeYulinChengdu
Publication Date：2025-08-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-09-09(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：10( 1-10 )