Unveiling the potential of space syntax approach for revitalizing historic urban areas:A case study of Yushan Historic District,China

Historic urban areas are a crucial component of urban heritage,embodying the collective memory of urban development and possessing distinctive urban textures and cultural attributes.However,the growing impact of globalization on the urban environment poses challenges to historic urban areas,including diminishing social recognition,aging infrastructure,loss of vitality,and cultural erosion.To address these challenges,this study proposes a novel approach to revitalizing historic urban areas by employing space syntax methodology.The study focuses on Yushan Historic District in China as a case study and uses spatial models within space syntax to describe,analyze,and interpret its urban morphology.The objective is to enhance urban vitality while preserving the heritage fabric of historic urban areas.Additionally,it aims to contribute to the advancement of space syntax research,specifically in the context of urban renewal and revitalization of historic districts.The findings reveal the spatial factors that contribute to the generation of vitality within the district,identify areas requiring intervention,and provide strategies for revitalizing historic urban areas.This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing a space syntax approach in urban revitalization,providing valuable guidance for effectively conserving urban heritage within the context of urban renewal.

An evaluation approach to spatial identity in historic urban areas from a humanistic perspective

Urban spatial identity,as the core content of a distinctive urban image and the representation of urban competitiveness and attraction,is critical to cities in the rapid development process.In view of maintaining and strengthening the spatial identity in a historic urban area,which is the key issue of urban construction in China at present,based on the literature review of Chinese urban spatial identity studies,three research paradigms are summarized:landscape,culture,and economy.Although the traditional evaluation method of spatial identity in historic urban areas has focused on the scarcity of characteristic resources,the relation-ship between characteristic resources and human beings has been ignored.Therefore,based on the declaration of the fundamental mechanism of urban spatial identity in historic urban areas,a new evaluation method was proposed considering four aspects,including object,subject,content,and indicators.The results indicated that the framework of evaluation and design,which is based on the assessment of the relationship between characteristic resources and human beings,is an effective strategy to improve the scientific evaluation of urban spatial identity.Our study has substantial implications for urban planners and managers in solving the urban identity crisis issue in historic urban areas.

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Coverage Rate of Commercial Facilities in 15-minute Radius Livelihood Service Circles of Chunshu Street

Building a 15-minute radius livelihood service circle from the needs of residents is a topdown process of optimizing urban layout and promoting high-quality development implemented by the government.In September 2022,Xicheng District of Beijing served as a national pilot of the 15-minute radius livelihood service circle.Based on the data of POI,urban walking network and building outline,this paper studies the coverage of commercial service facilities in the 15-minute radius livelihood service circle of Chunshu Street by using kernel density analysis and urban network analysis tools.The research shows that the commercial facilities are concentrated in Zhuangsheng Square and Dazhalan commercial district.There are large gaps in housekeeping and couriers logistics facilities,which need to be further improved.