The Sustainable Development of Street Texture of Historic and Cultural Districts―A Case Study in Shichahai District, Beijing

Jingyu Zhang,Jingqiu Zhang,Jiaying Zhou,Shaolu Yu

doi:10.3390/su10072343

Abstract

This paper explores the sustainable development of historic and cultural districts based on the case study of the Shichahai District in Beijing, China. By using the space syntax method, this paper traces the changing street texture of the Shichahai District during the Yuan period, the Ming period, the Qing period, and the current period. It attempts to examine (1) the characteristics of the traditional street structure of Old Beijing; (2) the major changes of street fabric and their causes during the historical periods; and (3) the impacts of modern land use pattern on urban street structure. This research finds that the main street texture remains relatively stable in the Shichahai District. However, the increasing dependence on cars in Beijing decreases street vitality in general. But the combination of pedestrian and community-level commercial streets helps enhancing the liveliness of historic and cultural districts, which further promotes the preservation and development of these neighborhoods.

Highlights

The urban textures of historic and cultural districts vary due to different local development processes and policies
By using the Shichahai District as an example, this research applies the space syntax method to trace the changes of street texture in historic districts and explore their causes
Hiller argues that space syntax research has tried to link the detailed spatial morphology of cities to observable functional regularities

Summary

Introduction

The urban textures of historic and cultural districts vary due to different local development processes and policies. These districts have their unique spatial order and organization, reflecting the characteristics of local historic context and heritage. The traditional street texture was damaged, and the cultural and historic continuity and heritage were interrupted. This paper begins with the literature review of the studies of urban structure of historic districts It introduces the study area, followed by the section that presents the method and data collection for this research.

Literature Review

Space Syntax Research

Conclusions

Discussion