The Regeneration of Traditional Residential Block with Typological Approach-Taking Zhongnongli in Nanjing as an Example

Abstract

With the rapid development of urbanization in China, the conservation and renewal of old cities face a huge challenge from a large amount of demolishment and construction without reasonable urban planning, which have been a widely discussed topic. As one of the most representative traditional residential blocks built in the period of the Republic of China (1912-1949), Zhongnongli has a great value in culture and plays a significant role in sustaining the continuity of history and maintaining the characteristics of the city in Nanjing. Taking Zhongnongli block as an example, based on the approach of architectural typology, this study aims to explore an organic renewal path to solve main problems in the process of regeneration, such as the confusion in space structure, the lack of public communication space and the protection of historical scene. Specifically, the research can be divided into two stages: typological extraction and typological transformation. Firstly, the thesis analyses and summarizes regional elements and deep structure of the block and buildings, trying to simplify and abstract them into prototypes like linear spatial pattern, pleasant spatial scale and patio house. Secondly, according to the traditional cultural connotation and modern life needs, these prototypes are appropriately transformed into new block morphology and building forms by means of reconstruction and translation. The experimental design we have done suggests that the application of the typological approach in contemporary urban planning and architectural design can contribute to realizing the harmonious coexistence of old and new buildings as well as the balance between inheritance and innovation, which serves as a model for the sustainable development of traditional residential blocks.