IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section B

Abstract

Being the third largest city in the central part of Taiwan, Taichung’s rich colonial heritage has attracted increased tourists, especially towards its old city area, prompting various projects aimed at revitalizing cultural assets since 2017. Nevertheless, the old city grapples with challenges like narrow roads and aging buildings due to evolving commercial dynamics. A pedestrian-friendly system is crucial to accommodate tourism and preserve heritage, yet current trends prioritize widening streets by demolishing old buildings, sacrificing historical ambiance and contradicting efforts to promote historical tourism while hindering pedestrian comfort. The core concern lies in reconciling urban fabric, local memories, and culture while leveraging historical heritage for tourism. Despite the municipal government’s efforts to promote historical tourism and revive the local economy, challenges often lead to the demolition of old buildings, exacerbating conflicts between historical preservation and modernization. Resolving conflicts between historical street blocks and road rights has become a primary concern for Taichung’s old city. This study aims to explore the balance between preserving historical districts and urban modernization, considering practical challenges and related urban issues. Finding viable solutions is crucial to promote the inheritance of historical culture while facilitating urban development. This paper will unpack the tension between historical preservation and pedestrian mobility in urban spaces and to seek solutions in participatory planning. Adopting textual analysis, field observation, and qualitative interviews, this study aims to observe how different stakeholders respond to and engage themselves in advocating for different urban futures through featuring the past.