Preliminary research and value assessment

Collection of historical materials

Comprehensively collect historical documents of the block, including local Chronicles, genealogies, historical maps, etc. Local Chronicles can provide the development context of a district in different historical periods, genealogies can reflect the changes of the district's residents, and historical maps can visually present the past layout and building distribution of the district. For instance, by consulting local Chronicles, it was learned that a certain block was an important commercial distribution center during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with numerous shops and handicraft workshops.

Collecting old photos, video materials, etc., these materials can visually present the past architectural style, street landscape and residents' living scenes of the block. By comparing the old photos with the current situation, the changes of the block can be clearly seen, providing a reference basis for protective design.

Evaluation of architectural and cultural values

Conduct a detailed assessment of the buildings within the street area, including aspects such as the building age, architectural style, and building quality. Buildings are classified according to their importance and value. For instance, buildings with unique architectural styles and significant historical importance are listed as first-class protected buildings, and their original appearance needs to be strictly protected. Buildings with certain historical value but average construction quality are classified as second-class protected buildings and can be appropriately repaired and maintained.

Evaluate the cultural value of the block, such as folk culture, traditional skills, religious beliefs, etc. Explore the unique cultural elements of the block and analyze their status and role in the local cultural inheritance. For instance, a certain neighborhood retains the traditional paper-cutting technique, which is an important part of the local culture. In the protective design, consideration should be given to how to inherit and showcase this technique.

Building protection and restoration

Authenticity protection

For buildings of significant historical value, the principle of authenticity protection should be adhered to, and the original appearance and structure of the buildings should be preserved as much as possible. The restoration is carried out by using traditional building materials and techniques, such as the same bricks, stones, woods and other materials as the original building, and by applying traditional mortise and tenon structures and masonry techniques. For instance, when restoring an ancient building from the Ming and Qing dynasties, local unique blue bricks and wood were used, and the construction was carried out in accordance with traditional construction techniques to ensure that the original features of the building were preserved.

Protect the historical traces on buildings, such as ancient inscriptions, murals, door and window carvings, etc. These traces are witnesses to history and possess extremely high cultural value. During the restoration process, a cautious attitude should be adopted to avoid causing damage to these traces. If some traces have been damaged, professional techniques should be adopted for repair to restore their original appearance as much as possible.

Adaptive transformation

On the basis of protecting the authenticity of the building, adaptive renovations are carried out on the building to meet the needs of modern life. For instance, when transforming ancient residences into homestays, cultural exhibition halls, etc., during the renovation process, it is necessary to rationally plan the spatial layout and add necessary facilities and equipment, such as bathrooms, kitchens, water and electricity lines, etc. However, during the renovation process, attention should be paid to coordinating with the original style of the building to avoid damaging the overall appearance of the building.

For some buildings that have been in disrepair for a long time and pose safety hazards, when reinforcing and repairing them, advanced technologies and materials should be adopted without affecting the appearance and structure of the buildings. For instance, new seismic reinforcement technologies can be adopted to enhance the seismic performance of buildings. However, the design and construction of the reinforcement components should be integrated with the original style of the building.

Street space optimization

Spatial scale and proportion

Maintain the original spatial scale and proportional relationship of the street, and avoid excessive widening or changing the direction of the street. The width of the street, the height of the buildings, and the spacing between the buildings on both sides of the street, among other factors, jointly constitute the spatial scale of the street. These scale relationships reflect the historical features and characteristics of the block. For instance, the streets in some historical districts are narrow and winding. This spatial scale gives people a sense of closeness and tranquility. During the optimization process, this feature should be retained as much as possible.

For some streets with unreasonable spatial scales due to historical reasons, appropriate adjustments can be made on the premise of protecting the overall style. However, the adjustment should follow the principle of gradual progress to avoid causing excessive impact on the block.

Street facility renewal

Update street facilities such as street lamps, trash cans and seats to make them not only meet modern usage needs but also be in harmony with the historical features of the block. Facilities with traditional styles can be adopted, such as antique street lamps, wooden or stone seats, etc. At the same time, the practicality and comfort of the facilities should be taken into consideration to enhance the usage experience of both residents and tourists.

Improve the traffic sign system on the streets. The design of the signs should be simple and clear, and at the same time be in harmony with the style of the block. For example, traditional fonts and patterns are adopted to design traffic signs, making them part of the neighborhood landscape.

Landscape environment creation

Greening configuration

Select plants that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions for greening configuration. Try to use local traditional plant varieties as much as possible. These plants can better reflect the regional characteristics of the block. For instance, in the historical districts of the Jiangnan water towns, weeping willows, lotus flowers and other plants can be planted to create a unique landscape atmosphere of the Jiangnan water towns.

Adopt a natural green layout approach, simulate natural ecological communities, and avoid overly regular and deliberate green designs. Flowers, grass and trees can be planted on both sides of the streets and inside and outside the courtyards to form a greening system that combines points, lines and surfaces. At the same time, attention should be paid to the harmonious combination of plants with buildings and streets to avoid plants blocking or damaging buildings.

Water system improvement

If there is a water system in the block, it should be rectified and protected. Clear the garbage and silt in the water system, improve the water quality and restore the ecological functions of the water system. Ecological bank protection methods can be adopted, such as planting aquatic plants and setting up artificial wetlands, to enhance the self-purification capacity of the water system.

Integrate water systems to create landscape nodes, such as setting up waterside platforms, small Bridges, and flowing water landscapes, to enhance the landscape interest and water friendliness of the block. However, it is necessary to pay attention to protecting the safety of the water system and set up necessary protective facilities.

Cultural inheritance and display

Protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage

Establish a base for the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, inviting local traditional artisans, folk artists, etc. to settle in and conduct on-site demonstrations and impart their skills. For instance, establish inheritance studios such as paper-cutting, embroidery and pottery, allowing tourists and residents to experience and learn these traditional skills in person.

Carry out publicity and promotion activities for intangible cultural heritage, such as holding folk culture festivals and traditional skills competitions, to enhance the public's awareness and protection consciousness of intangible cultural heritage. Through these activities, more people can understand and love the local traditional culture, promoting the inheritance and development of intangible cultural heritage.

Construction of cultural exhibition venues

Build cultural exhibition halls, museums and other venues to display historical relics, pictures, materials, etc. of the block, and comprehensively present the historical changes and cultural characteristics of the block. The display content can take various forms, such as physical object display, scene restoration, multimedia display, etc., to enhance the interest and appeal of the display.

By using the ancient buildings within the block as cultural display Spaces and integrating architecture with cultural exhibitions, tourists can enjoy the ancient buildings while learning about the historical and cultural aspects of the block. For instance, an ancient temple can be transformed into a historical and cultural exhibition hall to showcase religious culture, folk customs and other aspects related to the temple.

Community participation and management

The establishment of the community participation mechanism

Establish a mechanism for community participation in the protective design of historical blocks, and encourage residents to actively participate in the planning, construction and management of the blocks. The opinions and suggestions of residents can be widely solicited through holding resident symposiums, conducting questionnaires and other means, so that residents can become the masters of the protection of the neighborhood.

Organize residents to participate in environmental improvement, cultural activities and other work in the neighborhood to enhance their sense of belonging and responsibility. For example, carry out resident volunteer activities, jointly clean up street garbage, maintain the green environment, etc.

The management system is perfect.

Establish a complete management system for the protection of historical blocks, clearly define the scope, content and standards of protection, and standardize construction activities and business operations within the blocks. Strengthen the daily inspection and supervision of the blocks, and promptly discover and handle behaviors that damage the appearance of the blocks.

Establish a long-term capital investment mechanism to ensure the capital requirements for the protective design and subsequent management of the block. The sources of funds can include government financial allocations, social donations, tourism income, etc. Meanwhile, funds should be used rationally to improve the efficiency of fund utilization.