IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

The theme of the 21st ICOMOS symposium was “Heritage Changes”, focusing on the support and assistance of heritage to social life. Beijing released the Special Plan for Urban Renewal in 2022, emphasising “historical and cultural preservation and urban repair”. As a particular component of urban space, historic sites have the dual attributes of culture and life. Public space, as the core component of the landmark sites, reflects the accumulation of time and identity, which is the carrier of the spiritual connotation of the place. Beijing is a famous historical and cultural city that has experienced more than 800 years of capital city construction. This study selects the Zhonglouwan Area on the north of The Central Axis of Beijing, summarising the evolution and types of its public space. The development of the Zhonglouwan Area has gone through a long period of change, reflecting the integration of ceremonial order and urban daily life. The site is diverse and complex, with various public spaces for different communities. In the regeneration process, residents of different ages and occupations use the space differently. Adaptive design for the public space’s form, scale and current function provides a renewal strategy to help pass on the history and culture. Based on the interplay between cultural heritage and life, the study analyses the correlation between spatial and behavioural elements and proposes strategies for spatial renewal. It aims to activate the vitality of the historic lot through the renewal of public space and help the conservation and reuse of historic urban space.