Conservation and regeneration of architectural and urban heritage: The case of the Xinmalu historical site, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
The current discourse about contemporary cities emphasizes the notion of heritage conservation and preservation as a catalyst for expressing local identity and accomplishing community development. This article uses the case of Ningbo City (Zhejiang, China) to interrogate different approaches to preserve and rehabilitate architectural and urban heritage. Over the past two decades, the identification, documentation, and preservation of deteriorating dwellings and the urban context of traditional cities have undergone an unprecedented cycle of transformation. The article explores the economic, social, and cultural practices that inform strategies for heritage conservation, with a particular focus on Ningbo’s experiences. The selected projects from the city’s context range from independent house restoration and rehabilitation to traditional markets and the preservation of its urban heritage core. In addition, the article provides insights into the complexities of the ongoing discourse surrounding the interpretation, evaluation, protection, and augmentation of heritage territories. It confronts questions such as how to encourage inclusivity and diversity in cities’ heritage zones and urban spaces, and how specific chapters of the past are chosen and reintroduced for suggested contemporary functions. The article also examines the cooperation between international organizations and local planning entities in shaping a vision for Ningbo’s heritage conservation and rehabilitation. The study concludes by summarizing the successes of projects in the Xinmalu Heritage District in Ningbo, which foster growth and community development without compromising the value of its heritage.
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