Effects of the planning and implementation of housing reconstruction on community resilience in China

Abstract

Many researchers agree that the current Chinese top-down housing reconstruction model guarantees both its enforcement and efficiency. However, many have also questioned its possible negative effects on the affected localities. Thus, this research conducted an empirical study on three recently serious-affected towns in China that were hit by earthquakes. Further, it identifies different types of housing projects according to their reconstruction methods, measures and compares their resilience levels, and proposes policy implications. Our findings clarify and indicate various implications. First, the housing reconstruction in China has been carried out primarily by on-site self-constructed housing (SCH) and relocated government-constructed housing (GCH). Second, SCH generally has high resilience levels and should thus be encouraged during the post-disaster resettlement period. Third, in the affected areas with developmental conditions, GCH should also be considered as it could also achieve a high-quality built environment and urban development. Fourth, this study found that, in less developed areas, large-scale relocation constructions always result in a low resilience and, thus, need to be avoided. Fifth, the mobilization of various external forces would provide strong support for achieving a high-quality reconstruction in both developed and less-developed areas. Therefore, a coordination method is important in leveraging their unique capacities without neglecting local demands. Finally, within the Chinese urban-rural divide, inhabitants with a transitional social identity are particularly vulnerable, requiring more attention and policy support in the long term.