Revitalization Project Research Articles

Causative factors of Abandoned Urban Housing Projects and Strategies for Revitalization in Ibadan, Nigeria

In Nigeria, over 56,000 projects have been abandoned, leading to negative societal and urban impacts, including wasted investment, job losses, increased crime rates, visual pollution, and disruption of urban planning. These abandoned projects, which include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, have significant multiplier effects on the construction industry. As the housing sector plays a vital role in a country's economy, the issue of abandoned urban housing projects, particularly in Ibadan, Nigeria’s third-largest city, poses serious challenges. These challenges affect the city’s economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental quality, yet there is limited research addressing the problem. This paper investigated the causes of abandoned housing projects in Ibadan, aiming to find ways to revive them and prevent future abandonment. A structured questionnaire (n=45) was administered to consultants and professionals in the built environment (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and builders). Key causes of abandonment were identified, along with impacts such as building dilapidation, environmental decline, and urban visual displeasure. The paper recommended the establishment of regulatory frameworks for periodic inspections of ongoing projects and requiring developers to have exit strategies for financial setbacks. It also emphasized policies that promote repurposing abandoned buildings for public services, such as affordable housing or community centers. The conclusion stressed that without addressing the root causes, urban aesthetics and adequate housing provision will continue to suffer.

URBAN REGENERATION AND PUBLIC SPACE: LESSONS ON EARLY INTERVENTION OF COMMUNITY-BASED MICRO-PLANNING

Documenting lessons learned from revitalization projects through community-based micro-planning is crucial in developing countries, as it lacks mainstream urban regeneration recognition. This research aimed to evaluate the early intervention of community gardening or urban farming initiatives under an urban regeneration project: the Special Area Action Plan Section 13, Petaling Jaya City, Malaysia. This single case study was investigated using the mixed-methods approach. In the quantitative approach, 200 samples were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the qualitative approach, eight interviews were conducted and analyzed via thematic analysis. The findings show that the respondents are sceptical about the awareness, safety infrastructure and support services, caretaker, and land ownership concerns surrounding the proposal for community gardening at the Sungai Penchala monsoon drain area. When revitalizing left-over urban public spaces, authorities are recommended to plan more awareness intervention campaigns, enhance safety infrastructure designs, provide policy support in appointing caretakers, and resolve land acquisition matters to realize and sustain the regeneration projects in the public interest. This study contributes lessons learned by auditing the early intervention urban regeneration initiatives in development plans, particularly in fourth-tier-community-based micro-planning in a developing country.

Rural gentrification, the booming B&B industry and linked migration in China: To what extent can gentrification contribute to rural revitalisation?

AbstractAccompanying the functional transformation of rural areas from productivism to postproductivism, the rural areas with scenic views surrounding megacities are re‐evaluated in terms of their importance as destinations for visitors, especially in the case of booming bed and breakfast (B&B) industry in contemporary rural China. While private investment has generally led to improvements in the physical space and economic development of these villages, there is also concern about the negative effects of rural gentrification, such as the commercialisation of rural space, the alienation of rural culture and the displacement of indigenous residents. This study examines the multifaceted nature of rural gentrification by observing two villages within the Moganshan Mountain area—the birthplace of rural B&Bs in China, and explores how these processes have been leveraged to promote rural revitalisation. Research findings suggest that disparities in original resources and property rights allocation underpinning the B&B industries among the first‐wave gentrifiers and the local villagers, when viewed through the lens of linked migration, may lead to different socioeconomic outcomes. The B&B industry's growth can either be exclusive, primarily favouring gentrifiers, or complementary, fostering mutual benefits and learning opportunities for both gentrifiers and local villagers. Moreover, forming a collaborative network of rural villagers, returning migrants, and external elites can contribute to rural revitalisation through gentrification. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of rural gentrification by adding evidence from the Global South and provide insights to inform Chinese rural revitalisation policies, especially alternatives to traditional state‐led revitalisation projects.

Research on the design of narrative space construction: a case study of the revitalization project of the Macau Lychee Bowl Shipyard

ABSTRACT This study investigates the revitalization project of the Macao Lychee Bowl Shipyard, an industrial heritage site, aiming to uncover the expressive mechanism of narrativity within public spaces and thereby forge a fresh understanding of contemporary narrative space creation. Employing qualitative research methods such as participatory observation, spatial photography, literature review, and historical data gathering, the study unveils practical approaches for crafting narrative spaces in design research. These encompass multiple aspects, including the preservation and innovation of heritage value, the integration of social issues, user engagement, symbolism and expressiveness, non-verbal narratives, cultural and skill reproduction. The findings reveal that through governmental steering, project strategizing, community involvement, design competitions, and educational initiatives, the Lychee Bowl Shipyard has undergone a successful transformation into a versatile public space. This endeavor not only ensures the preservation of industrial heritage but also rejuvenates the site’s charm and cultural dynamism. The study offers a suite of strategies and practical avenues grounded in narrative space creation for the revitalization of industrial heritage, serving as a guiding beacon for heritage conservation, urban development, and communal engagement.

O poder do storytelling na recriação cultural: Uma análise da estratégia de marketing da marca Bioco Tradition

This chapter explores the use of storytelling as a strategic marketing tool, focusing on Portuguese culture and the recreation of Bioco, a traditional Algarve costume, reinterpreted from a new design and modern perspective. The aim is to demonstrate how storytelling and local culture can be combined to promote regional identity. The methodology adopted includes a literature review on the concepts of storytelling and culture, and an analysis of the marketing strategy of the Bioco revitalization project. Through this approach, the advantages of applying cultural narratives in marketing strategies are investigated. The results indicate that the integration of cultural elements and the use of marketing narratives can strengthen brands' emotional connection with the public, as well as providing significant differentiation. The Bioco Tradition project illustrates how the revitalization of traditional elements can be an effective tool in building a unique identity and strengthening cultural ties.

Behavioural selection of farmer households for rural homestead use in China: Self-occupation and transfer

With the outflow of the rural population, the functions of rural homesteads in China have undergone transformation, leading to the reform of the rural homestead system. Strengthening investigations into rural homestead-use behaviours of self-occupation and transfer, considering the trend of rural transformation and the reform of rural homestead, are vital to providing adequate support to formulate and implement targeted institutions responsible for rural homestead use. Based on survey and questionnaire data from 299 villages in China in 2022, this paper addresses the characteristics of rural homestead-use from the perspectives of homestead self-occupation and transfer. The factors of both farmer households and villages were recognised using a hierarchical Logit model. The results revealed the following. First, household self-occupation played the dominant role in the state of rural homestead use in China, with the accompaniment of a low proportion of transfer in non-self-occupation homesteads. The proportions of self-occupation and transfer were found to vary significantly on different scales across provinces, villages and farming households. Second, there were different factors influencing the self-occupation and transfer behaviours of rural homesteads. Specifically, self-occupation behaviour was predominantly influenced by the degree of dependence on self-housing demand and homestead supply, and village demands for development more substantially influenced transfer behaviour. Third, under the context of both the rural transformation trend and Rural Revitalisation Project, it is recognised that the residential security function of homesteads is prioritised, followed by promoting the reuse of homesteads through comprehensive measures. This study will provide a scientific reference for the effective implementation of rural revitalisation and rural homestead system reform.

Reviving, Reinventing and Rethinking an Indigenous Luxury Textile: Piña Cloth, and Fashion in the Philippines

Piña cloth, or textile woven from the delicate fibers of the pineapple plant used to be the epitome of luxury and high fashion in mid-nineteenth century Philippines. The weaving and wearing of piña experienced a rapid decline largely caused by the influx of British cotton textiles so that by the last half or the 20th century it had all but disappeared. This article analyses the history of reviving piña and its afterlives. It argues that reviving piña resulted in re-inventing new blended forms of the textile (with silk, cotton, and linen), and creating new ones such as piña shifu. Because these blended varieties are cheaper and faster to make, piña has been democratized. The revival process has caused a re-thinking of piña to make it “modern” and “chic”—from adding color to it (as traditionally it was worn in its natural ecru color), turning it into casual or everyday wear, and painting on it to make it wearable art. Finally, the revival project has also altered the status of weavers and challenged gender norms.

Urban Outmigration and Student Mobility towards Rural Schools: Are We in an Early Stage of Rural Revival?

Rural education is a strategic sector for rural revival projects. The presence and state of rural schools is an indicator on the sustainability of rural communities in its economic, social, and ecosystemic interactions. This study explores the Chilean case as it shows a movement in student mobility towards rural schools. Based on new data from the Ministry of Education, the study shows that primary school students indicate a shift in tutors and families’ preferences for rural schools, as rural schools’ enrolment has increased by 1% in the 2015–2020 period. In the context of a market-based education system, the data indicate a process in which rural systems are seen as viable alternatives for families. There is a clear landmark in rural mobility during the pandemic years; however, the study concludes that there is no indication of a catalyst for migration different from previous years or signs of rural revival yet. We suggest that further studies should be conducted to map how this trend may be replicating in different countries and geographies, as well as to ponder its implications for rural communities and its capacity to harbor urban out-migration.

Noblessner District in Tallinn: Recycling the Pasts to Discover the Futures

This article analyses strategies for revitalisation of Tallinn’s industrial heritage and reflects on the reuses of history from the late Russian Empire to the Soviet period, referring to the case of the Noblessner district, one of the country's most vibrant and rapidly developing seafront quarters. Contemporary Noblessner advertising promises a European dream city with hipster cafes, galleries, and loft-style art studios located in former shipyards; a promenade along the Baltic Sea coast, trendy business spaces, and residential blocks offered for those who appreciate nature, art, and style (Noblessner.ee, 2024).The Noblessner quarter gives an example of successful transformation of a neglected industrial site into a modern public space with high potential for further development. By referring exclusively to the most attractive moments of its history and by recycling them into attractions, Noblessner creates new narratives of its own urban biography that can be safely projected into the future, and which leave no room for ambiguous interpretations. Therefore, the revitalisation project of the Noblessner district avoids citing controversial episodes from its history, developing a space, in which the past is presented selectively. Noblessner's biography is not introduced as a continuous historical narrative, it is fragmentated and recycled into an appealing wrapping that can attract investors, visitors, and residents. In recent years, Noblessner has become the site of numerous contacts: commercial, artistic, public, and private, which create a space that is representative of the whole Estonia. However, Noblessner's history is still unknown to most of its visitors and residents. It was muted during the Soviet regime, and has not yet been visibly integrated into the revived space.

Preserving and Inheriting the Traditional Culture of Xibe in the Digital Age

Xibe culture has a rich historical background and unique cultural elements, including socio-cultural practices such as language, religion, and sports. Xibe culture is being jeopardized by the rapid development of modern technology and widespread mainstream culture through onlin platforms, and thus is facing the risk of being assimilated or even disappeared by the mainstream culture. However, digital media should not be viewed as a threat to national cultural heritage, but rather a tool in the process of cultural protection and inheritance. The article introduces some of the unique aspects of Xibe culture, and explores the possible role of social media and other digital platforms in protecting Xibe culture, and refers to successful cases of culture preservation involving digital technology. In addition, this paper suggests that various strategies should be adopted. This includes collaborative efforts between the government and the community to support appropriate cultural revitalization projects; at the same time, innovative conservation methods are highlighted, such as the use of virtual reality technology to recreate traditional environments and experiences, and the development of cultural and creative products with elements of Xibe culture. In this way, we can ensure that the unique cultural characteristics of the Xibe people will not be marginalized or forgotten due to the changes of the times.

Market Squares of Small Towns as Public Space of Opole Silesia on Selected Examples (Legal Status After 2015)

This paper presents the results of research on the diagnosis of the state of public space in the context of the evolution of its structure, on the example of market squares of small cities. The background to the research is the implementation of the Act on Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Special Needs (The Accessibility Act, 2019) and the Revitalisation Act (2015), as documents with significant impact on the shape of public spaces in Polish cities. The multicultural and cross-border region of Opole Silesia was chosen as the research area. Six small towns in the region, whose market squares have undergone a revitalization in recent years, were selected for analysis: Biała, Dobrodzień, Korfantów, Otmuchów, Paczków, Ujazd. This article aims to diagnose the condition of public space, on the example of the market squares of small towns, based on the solutions adopted in the revitalization projects. The criteria adopted for the analyses are the identity of the place and continuity of development, accessibility, and adaptation to climate change. The research uses the method of comparative analysis of the morphological structure, the method of analyzing the physical parameters of space, and the analysis of historical iconography and cartography. Conducted analyses will make it possible to formulate an answer to the question of to what extent the introduction of the regulations as mentioned above has changed the approach to the revitalization process as a continuation of the historically formed way of building the urban fabric, and to what extent it has forced the introduction of solutions that violate the continuity of historical development. The result of the research will be a diagnosis of the problems in the revitalization processes of small towns in the multicultural area of the Opole region, in the context of current legal conditions, and sustainable development.

Sustainable Regeneration Principles in Historic Cities Exploring Landscape Approach

In studies of revitalizing historical cities, various factors and indicators have received significant attention. There are different theories and perspectives, each addressing specific aspects of the subject. Among these, there exists a holistic perspective. A holistic approach can have an influential impact on sustainable solutions in the revitalization of historic cities. Urban planning, with its tools, can contribute to providing a roadmap in this regard. Theoretical resources and research conducted in this regard have focused on identifying criteria and practical indicators for revitalizing historical areas. An urban planning approach with features such as storytelling and mediation can enhance the sense of place, belonging, and social participation. In urban planning, objective and subjective perspectives can comprehensively examine all factors influencing the rejuvenation of areas, which is effective in planning and managing revitalization projects. On the other hand, examining guidelines and recommendations provided by organizations and authorities such as UNESCO reflects the results and experiences of various global researches. These recommendations are based on principles instrumental in developing a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable revitalization of historic cities. Therefore, this research aims to provide a general and comprehensive overview of historic areas and their sustainable management principles. When dealing with historical cities, the following question arises: What are the general principles of revitalizing them, and what subcategories do they encompass? Studies on this topic show that the general classification of factors and principles of sustainable revitalization in historical cities can be summarized into five categories: history and heritage, economy and society, innovation and creativity, ecosystem and environment, and governance and governments. These principles and their subcategories should be examined and given attention from a functional perspective in four main formats. Some focus on why attention should be given to historical areas (Why?) and how to deal with them (How?). In contrast, others concentrate on the practical operational factors in cities (Who?) and their elements (What?). A descriptive-analytical research method was employed. Data collection was conducted through library research based on a review of relevant literature, documents, and extensive studies related to prominent research in the landscape, landscape perspectives, place identity, sense of place, and their various dimensions. Ultimately, using a qualitative content analysis approach, solutions for regenerating historical contexts from a landscape perspective are presented.

The Practice of Renovation, Protection and Utilization of Yongqingfang

This article is devoted to study the revitalization project of the Enning Road historic district in Liwan District, Guangzhou. In the context of urban renewal, the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage has become an important issue. After nearly 10 years of practice and exploration, the Enning Road Historic Street Revitalization Project (Yongqingfang) in Liwan District, Guangzhou has finally achieved the protection and inheritance of Xiguan’s historical culture and has become a demonstration of urban renewal that integrates tradition and modernity. project. The significance of Yongqingfang is that it can serve as a model for the micro-renovation of old neighborhoods. Studying the Yongqingfang renovation project and summarizing the experience and enlightenment of the renovation project will have reference and reference significance for the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage in the process of urban renewal.

Opportunity for informal business networking to reshape the institutional capacity of community in housing revitalization projects: learning from Bandung and Surakarta, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Growing enthusiasm for collaborative planning and housing revitalization projects has instigated change in the institutional arena from government to multi-stakeholder domains for more democratic and sustainable outcomes. However, several projects, especially at the community level, failed to strengthen community power and voice, resulting in short-term community-driven activities. Amidst growing academic concerns over the efficacy of collaborative planning in housing revitalization projects and community empowerment, this paper presents two case studies from Indonesia – Laweyan (Surakarta) and Cibangkong (Bandung) – as counter-examples. The discussion is centred on the institutional capacity of urban poor communities, which has been historically perceived as weak and passive, to contribute ideas and initiatives in sustaining collaborative planning practices despite decreasing support from the government. The findings suggest that the relational resources, maintained through informal business networking within the poor community led by community leaders, are critical in reshaping their institutional capacity.

Assessing the Success of the Development Strategy of the Cittaslow Movement: An Analysis of Revitalisation Programs and Experts Insights on the Model for Small Towns’ Sustainable Development

The revitalisation of small towns is an attempt to find multi-directional solutions to numerous social, economic, and spatial problems. Properly planned and coordinated actions aimed at the renewal and countering of social exclusion through corrective interventions. Although there is a wealth of research on the significance of revitalisation projects in improving the quality of life for residents in large cities, there is a visible gap regarding the development of models based on the principles of “slow” and “liveability” in small towns. This article presents the results of observations regarding the actual conditions for the development of Cittaslow cities and the possibilities for development based on the assumptions outlined in the strategic documents of these cities, as well as the benefits resulting from projects implemented within the Supralocal Revitalisation Program (SLRP). The study initially identifies the main strategic assumptions and then analyses their connections with the revitalisation effects carried out within the SLRP. The analysis encompassed all projects aimed at solving social problems in fourteen cities in the Warmian–Masurian Voivodeship (Poland). The research included an evaluation of the assumptions regarding the directions of development arising from the provisions in the strategic documents (first stage) and a qualitative assessment based on interviews with local experts (second stage). The results indicate that the experts’ opinions differ partly from the project effects assumed in the documents. This applies primarily to the possibility of basing on the project results when formulating development models of the analysed Cittaslow towns. The results of these studies can serve as a basis for verifying the goals set in the SLRP, and based on them, for future projects and recommendations concerning the revitalisation of other Cittaslow cities in the region, as well as small towns in Europe and around the world.

Community Sustainability Through Sustainable Community-Based Tourism

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how rural communities facing the problems of ageing population and lack of economic opportunities can be revived by adopting the approach of sustainable community-based tourism. Theoretical Framework: The study was guided by theories related to community development, placemaking, and community-based tourism. Method: The research used the case analysis method to analyze a community revitalization project in rural Taipei, Taiwan. Data were collected through field observation and interviews. The researcher was invited to participate in the related meetings and observe the practices of the community revitalization project. The researcher also interviewed the leader and volunteers of the community development project. Results and Discussion: It is found that a placemaking process mixed with top-down (facilitated) and bottom-up engagement approaches can effectively generate a sense of place among various groups of constituents. The research also found that it is critical to identify and leverage the cultural and ecological assets of the community in an innovative and integrated way so as to effectively connect the community and the society. To revive a community, volunteers played a mediating role in fulfilling the needs of the community and connecting the community with the society. Research Implications: The findings of the research can be applied to rural communities with similar problems and ecological/cultural assets. For policy makers, the study suggests that community revitalization requires an engagement process balanced with top-down (facilitated) and bottom-up approaches. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the micro-view of sustainability literature by analyzing sustainability at a community level through the aspects of community placemaking and sustainable community-based tourism.

Rights amidst commercial gentrification: a comparative case study of Latinx business zones in Chicago and Santa Ana

ABSTRACT Gentrification in commercial districts of Latinx communities is raising debates among local stakeholders about how to best pursue revitalization. Through a comparative case study, we examine these debates in the context of the Right to the City and gentefication. How do stakeholders in two Latinx commercial districts envision revitalization projects amidst ongoing gentrification? We analyze the perspectives and policies of non-profit staff, business- and commercial property owners, in Puerto Rico Town Chicago and La Cuatro in Downtown Santa Ana. Our research highlights conflicting views on prioritizing community wellness versus profit motives and the relationship between economic success and cultural preservation.

Architectural Porosity: Reading The Change of Inhabitation in Urban Heritage Area

Architectural Porosity: Reading The Change of Inhabitation in Urban Heritage Area

Community Organizing towards Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management in Flood-prone Settlement Revitalization Project (The Case of RW 01 Mojo, Surakarta, in Bengawan Solo Riverbank)

Squatter settlement of Bengawan Solo riverbank had been a complicated issue since early 2000s. The problem of land tenure, substandard infrastructure, illegal housing, and low socio-economic resilience adding up to the already flood-prone urban area of Surakarta. This paper aimed to understand the dynamics of community organization during the proses of revitalization project. Using a qualitative approach, a range of data were collected from official documents, two indepth interviews and two focus group discussions. Revitalization project came up looking like a panacea in a collaborative approach manifesting in negotiation on how revitalization took place. The findings were revealed using CSDRM tool, uncovered that upon the implementation, stakeholders network dynamics had undergone significant changes through the process of community organizing. External actors offered a trigger to the community to organize itself, to handle conflict and to plan a resolution. The dynamics of stakeholder network showed that innovative approach of urban revitalization in RW 1 Mojo has unleash the potentials of riverbank community to contribute more towards a resilient urban area, induced by the external stakeholders.

공동주택 공동체 활성화 사업이 주민의 사회적 자본 형성과 주거만족에 미치는 영향 탐색

This study intends to explore the structural relationship between participation in community revitalization projects in apartment complexes and the formation of social capital among residents and their relationships with each other and the impact of formed social capital on residential satisfaction. The case study is the Lifelong Learning Village School of Chamisul Apartment in Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do. Focus Group Interview (FGI) has been conducted with 6 main participants. Social capital includs participation experience, trust, network, and norms, and residential satisfaction included safety, education, culture, environment, and neighborhood relationships. The results show that participation in community revitalization projects influences the formation of social capital in terms of participation experience, trust, network, and norm among community members, and participation experience influences network and trust. The social capital is found to affect housing satisfaction, although there are differences by some factors.