Track 4.9: Urban Regeneration through Heritage and Culture

China is experiencing significant demographic aging, a trend that is particularly pronounced in historic urban areas (HUA). In response, China introduced the "youth-friendly cities" strategy to enhance social resilience. As more young people, driven by employment opportunities, settle in HUA, and the original resident population continues to age, the phenomenon of non-kin multi-generational coexistence is becoming increasingly common in urban spaces. With shifting demographic structures, fostering intergenerational integration between different populations has become essential for sustaining community vitality in HUA, which is a continuous process. Public spaces, as primary activity venues for diverse cohorts, also serve as key platforms for social engagement, making these spaces a crucial focus of this study. So taking the public spaces in Nanjing’s HUA as the primary study site, this research seeks to address three core questions: 1) What are the differences in spatial preferences and behavioral characteristics among different generation in public spaces, and how are these shaped by the interplay between objective environmental factors and individual subjective perceptions; 2) Discussing the potential synergies between intergenerational integration and community vitality enhancement under the public space context; 3) How can we improve community vitality by promoting intergenerational integration through possible urban renewal approaches, based on these behavioral mechanisms. Intergenerational integration is a dynamic process that goes beyond meeting age-specific needs, aiming to foster interaction and cooperation between different cohorts in public spaces. As key spatial carriers of intergenerational integration, public spaces are characterized by the number of users, activity diversity, and population composition to describe the public space vitality. The study proposes an “environment–perception–behavior” framework, using panoramic images and semantic segmentation to extract spatial indicators, and Stated Preference (SP) surveys to gather data on socioeconomic attributes, activity preferences, and scenario evaluations. Perceptions are quantified through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with correlation and Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) linking environment to perception and to behavior. Fieldwork in Nanjing’s aging Matai Street community explores future integration trends, supporting the development of effective strategies for intergenerational integration in Nanjing‘s HUA. The analysis reveals that differences among generational groups in activity motivations, habitual behaviors, and mutual psychological attitudes in public spaces have led to a triple-layered division: activity avoidance, spatiotemporal separation, and attitudinal distancing. These divisions constitute significant challenges to intergenerational integration. However, ecological landscape spaces, as well as activities rooted in social networks and shared interests, show strong potential to foster intergenerational integration. Over time, accumulated generational experiences provide a positive psychological foundation that supports integration. From an environment–perception–behavior perspective, objective environmental factors shape perceptions in a complex, nonlinear manner. Correlation analyses allow tracing how specific environmental variables influence perceptions, enabling the construction of spatial optimization pathways based on environmental regulation. Using fieldwork in aging historic urban communities, this study proposes three strategic dimensions for promoting intergenerational integration: (1) reorganization of the public space hierarchy based on intergenerational integration; (2) Fostering long-term operation mechanisms for intergenerational programs through community governance; (3) promoting cultural identity to enhance intergenerational understanding and cooperation. Furthermore, findings highlight the synergy between urban renewal and intergenerational integration, where a “people-centered” approach combined with “co-living space” practices facilitates sustainable revitalization of HUA. In summary, by identifying the perception–behavior pathway, this study reveals how intergenerational integration influences individuals’ spatial activity decisions so that highlights the inherent synergy between intergenerational integration and community vitality. Furthermore, through the environment–perception pathway, it establishes a reverse inference mechanism to guide spatial optimization strategies based on public space renewal. Ultimately, the findings demonstrate that promoting intergenerational integration through targeted spatial planning can serve as an effective approach to revitalizing aging communities in HUA.

Traditional settlements are vital spatial carriers of regional culture, historical memory, and ethnic identity. China is home to a vast number of such settlements. However, in recent decades, rural spatial transformation—driven by rapid urbanization, village reconstruction, and new village development—has led to the disappearance of many traditional settlements and the erosion of distinctive rural identities. Although preservation efforts have intensified, they primarily focus on a few well-preserved, high-value, or architecturally distinct sites. This has given rise to a “core–periphery” structure in conservation: a few iconic villages receive concentrated scholarly attention and are replicated as cultural symbols, while the majority—ordinary but authentic—remain overlooked. These peripheral settlements risk losing their cultural subjectivity as they are either neglected in planning or reconstructed with transplanted features that obscure their original identities. The root of this issue lies in the lack of a comprehensive and systematic understanding and classification of traditional settlement characteristics. Existing studies tend to concentrate on a few prominent areas, and typologies are often subjectively derived, lacking empirical and scientific rigor. To address this gap, this study takes the Xinjiang region in northwest China—located at the heart of Eurasia—as a case to develop an inclusive and rigorous classification framework. Xinjiang is home to 13 officially recognized indigenous ethnic groups and boasts over 6,000 years of continuous settlement history and nearly 3,000 years of recorded civilization. Its diverse natural environments, multi-ethnic composition, and deep historical legacy have fostered a rich cultural landscape. However, scholarly research on traditional settlements in Xinjiang remains limited and fragmented, with most studies confined to individual ethnic groups or isolated locales. This study proposes a new phylogenetic framework for classifying traditional settlement characteristics, based on the hypothesis that such features diverge over time through cultural transmission and adaptation, following probabilistic rules. A Bayesian classification algorithm using the Metropolis-coupled MCMC method was developed to analyze these evolutionary relationships. Fieldwork was conducted in 105 traditional settlements representing all major ethnic groups in Xinjiang. A feature evaluation system was constructed, comprising 121 indicators across five dimensions: land use, spatial texture, architectural form, decorative motifs, and socio-cultural practices. Each settlement was evaluated using field surveys, remote sensing data, and literature review, and all samples were coded and analyzed accordingly. The results reveal three major clades of traditional settlement characteristics: (1) a Uyghur-dominated clade (with five sub-clades reflecting internal diversity), (2) a Han-tradition clade (comprising Han, Hui, and Northeast Asian sub-clades, including Manchu, Sibe, and Daur groups), and (3) a nomadic heritage clade (encompassing Mongolian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Tajik traditions). Additionally, the unique spatial identities of small-population groups such as the Keriya and Tuvan peoples—previously subsumed under broader ethnic categories—were clearly distinguished. From these results, the study identifies 71 shared “genetic fragments” of spatial characteristics, forming a “spatial gene map” of traditional settlements in Xinjiang. This phylogenetic approach enables a more precise and data-driven understanding of the diversity and divergence in traditional settlements across ethnic and regional lines. It provides a scientific foundation for differentiated and context-sensitive heritage protection strategies, replacing previous “one-size-fits-all” models. By recognizing and preserving the unique spatial identities of each ethnic group, this study contributes to more inclusive, culturally grounded, and socially equitable urban and rural transformation policies.

a) Background The industrial heritage of Northeast China’s old industrial bases, once the cradle of the nation’s modern industry, faces dual challenges of functional obsolescence and climate adaptability. In cold regions like Jiamusi, extreme weather (average winter temperatures as low as -20°C) exacerbates the abandonment of industrial sites, while urban shrinkage further weakens community vitality. The 1957 Jiamusi Paper Mill, a representative "First Five-Year Plan" industrial relic, embodies historical memories of paper-making craftsmanship and Soviet-influenced industrial architecture. However, its massive idle factories and outdated infrastructure have become barriers to urban renewal, demanding innovative strategies to balance heritage preservation, climate resilience, and inclusive community development. b) Research Objectives, Core Issues, and Solutions This study aims to explore an inclusive regeneration pathway for cold-region industrial heritage, focusing on three core issues: How to adapt industrial relics to extreme cold climates while maintaining historical authenticity? How to integrate computational design to optimize spatial performance and community accessibility? How to transform production-oriented industrial spaces into culturally inclusive, multi-generational community hubs? The solution involves adaptive transformation of industrial structures (e.g., converting settling tanks into indoor sports facilities), computational design for environmental optimization, and functional recombination (paper culture museums, maker spaces, and research bases) to foster intergenerational interaction. c) Research and Data Collection Methods The research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Primary data were collected through on-site surveys (drone mapping, 3D laser scanning) to document 91 industrial structures and equipment. Value assessment was conducted using an adaptive evaluation system (weighted indices: historical value 25.4%, technological value 16.4%, artistic value 23.1%, etc.). Computational design tools (energy simulation, daylight analysis) optimized thermal insulation and natural lighting for cold-region adaptation. Case studies of similar projects (e.g., Mudanjiang 1946 Creative Park) provided comparative insights. Stakeholder interviews (former workers, community residents, planners) informed inclusive design strategies. d) Key Findings and Implications for Theory and Practice The study finds that: 1) Adaptive transformation of industrial relics—such as repurposing sewage tanks into ecological restaurants with geothermal heating—effectively mitigates cold climate constraints, increasing year-round usability by 65%. 2) Computational design (e.g., BIM-based thermal simulation) enhances energy efficiency by 30% while preserving industrial aesthetics, as seen in the glass-corridor-connected museum complex. 3) Functional diversification, integrating paper-making workshops, youth maker hubs, and elderly activity zones, fosters cross-generational interaction, with 82% of surveyed residents reporting strengthened community identity. Theoretically, it enriches the "value-oriented regeneration" framework by introducing climate sensitivity and computational tools. Practically, it provides a replicable model for cold-region industrial heritage: 1) A "light renovation" approach balances preservation and innovation; 2) Climate-adaptive design transforms vulnerabilities (extreme cold) into unique spatial features (indoor winter activities); 3) Inclusive programming bridges historical memory and contemporary community needs, offering lessons for urban shrinkage governance.

Temqa Public Park, located in the Temqa neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, stands as a successful example of how degraded urban land can be transformed into a vibrant, inclusive, and ecologically resilient space. This 20 hectare project was initiated through the Tbilisi Land Use Master Plan (2019) and driven by the vision of creating a people centered, multifunctional green hub in a post-Soviet context where open public space is scarce and unevenly distributed. The project aimed to address multiple strategic objectives: environmental, social, and economic, through an integrated and participatory planning approach. At the core of the project was the transformation of a neglected ravine into a multifunctional public park that not only revitalized the ecosystem but also reconnected fragmented urban communities and catalyzed new local economies. The environmental vision focused on creating a landscape identity, enhancing biodiversity, managing stormwater through nature-based solutions, and mitigating urban heat island effects. A strategic selection of vegetation and restructuring of the water drainage system enabled microclimate improvement and carbon footprint reduction. The “Green Lung” impact was measurable: a 3–4°C temperature reduction within a 300-meter radius and improved air quality were recorded post-construction. On the social front, the project emphasized inclusivity and accessibility. The park became a platform for co-design and co-creation through community workshops, public presentations, and direct participation in urban gardening and planting. This strengthened local identity, fostered ownership, and led to measurable outcomes: a 33% increase in residents walking outdoors, over 10 ongoing community classes, and enhanced social inclusion among age and gender groups. Two new neighborhood connections, including bridges and walkways, re-integrated previously disconnected zones. Economically, the park generated momentum for local development. New pavilions provided space for small businesses, while improved accessibility attracted investment and contributed to a 30% increase in real estate values in the immediate area. Local business activity increased by 17%, and 10% of businesses in the area were newly established after the park’s opening: demonstrating the potential of public realm investment to activate inclusive, sustainable growth. The design process adopted a co-design and nature-based approach, aligning with global planning paradigms that prioritize place-specific responses to climate and social needs. From initial design competition in 2019 to final implementation in 2023, the Temqa project followed a clear timeline of stakeholder engagement, transparency, and environmental stewardship. Workshops and presentations at each design stage allowed residents to influence not only spatial layout but also programmatic uses, making it a truly co-created public asset. The project demonstrates that even in rapidly changing urban environments such as post-Soviet cities undergoing transformation, it is possible to create inclusive, multifunctional, and culturally rooted urban spaces when governance, design, and community are aligned. As cities face rising pressures of urbanization and climate change, Temqa Public Park offers a replicable model: it shows that restoring degraded land is not only an ecological intervention but also a social and economic catalyst. This presentation will share the full project lifecycle, including high level governance context, design development process, strategic objectives, co-creation methods, environmental design principles, and socio-economic outcomes. It aims to open dialogue on how cities can regenerate land with local relevance while contributing to global sustainable urbanism.

Against the background of the era of accelerated development of cities of the so call Global South, the renewal and transformation of traditional industrial areas is undergoing a transformation from a single function to a comprehensive city centre. This transformation is particularly prominent in emerging economies in Southeast Asia, and has become an important path to realise inclusive urban development. This study takes the urban renewal planning practice of Bianhe No. 1 Industrial Park in Dong Nai Province, Ho Chi Minh City Circle, Vietnam as the research object. It explores the mechanism of its transformation into a provincial administrative centre on the upgrading of urban functions and the improvement of competitiveness. It focusses on the portal location, waterfront space activation, public service sharing and transportation-oriented development (TOD) The synergy of four characteristics on inclusive transformation. The study suggests that the successful transformation of this project mainly relies on the synergy of four key elements: (1) strategic portal location reshaping, through the organic integration of industrial heritage revitalisation and regional cultural symbols, it strengthens urban identity while retaining site memory; (2) waterfront space regeneration based on ecological restoration , by building a multi-level and networked public space system, the fair sharing of waterfront resources has been realised; (3) The innovative public service supply model, with the open and shared administrative centre as the core, integrates civic squares, sports centres, literary and artistic centres and other functions, creating an "urban guest" that promotes social integration. Hall"; (4) The accurate application of traffic-oriented development (TOD) can balance the layout of residence, employment and business by optimising the functional ratio around the station, and effectively alleviate the risk of gentlemanization. The case shows that the renewal of industrial zones needs to be through the systematic design of spatial justice, economic inclusion and governance coordination. In the spatial dimension, it emphasises the balance between industrial heritage protection and innovative utilisation; in the economic dimension, it focusses on the coordination of industrial upgrading and social equity; in the governance dimension, it explores the benign interaction between government-led and market participation. This systematic transformation path not only improves the quality of urban space, but also effectively promotes social inclusion through the creation of employment opportunities and the improvement of public services. The study provides a reference paradigm for the sustainable transformation of rapidly urbanising areas in Southeast Asia.

Yangzhou, China, has a history of more than 2,500 years since the city was built in the Spring and Autumn Period (486 BC- ). Since 2021, with the transformation of urban development mode, urban regeneration work aiming at livability, green development, resilience, intelligence and humanity has been gradually carried out. The urban regeneration of Guangling Road in Yangzhou is an important part of it, and the Subei Cinema plot is one of the key areas of the Guangling Road urban regeneration project. As the core area of Yangzhou's old city, Guangling Road rose in the early Ming Dynasty (1368- ), expanded in the mid-Qing Dynasty (1662- ), and remained prosperous after the Republic of China (1912- ). It integrates historical and cultural resources of different periods and types, and is a vivid embodiment of Yangzhou's long history. In this case, the Subei Cinema plot is a typical sample reflecting the stratified historical characteristics of Guangling Road. The existing three groups of buildings - Subei Cinema, the former site of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Guangling Kindergarten - are the results of historical layering. Taking them as anchor points to explore the potential and disappeared parts, it can be traced back to Rishengchang Draft Bank in the late Qing Dynasty, Jiangsu Bank and Yechun Houshe in the Republic of China, People's Bank of China, Subei Cinema and Guangling Kindergarten after liberation (1949-). Among them, there are continuations and transformations of the nature of built environments, as well as inheritance, disappearance and reconstruction of physical spaces, which is an epitome of Yangzhou's urban and social changes, and ultimately presents a collage effect of the blending of traditional texture and modern entities. However, such vivid and rich history has gradually lost into time, and the site is now in a state of fragmented historical information and idle and dilapidated buildings. In view of this, the regeneration practice of the Subei Cinema plot chooses the layered and potential historical structure as the basis, sorts out the hidden order of the plot's evolution, and carries out spatial transformation on this basis. Firstly, according to the value assessment, the material carriers of the diversified historical and cultural inheritance of the site are confirmed. The south facade and professional cinema space of Subei Cinema, the pattern relationship between the former site of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the draft bank, and the garden image of Guangling Kindergarten are the core of historical and cultural protection and inheritance. Secondly, through spatial repair, different historical layers are allowed to "dialogue". In addition to commercial space, public spaces such as cinema exhibition, financial exhibition and traditional gardens corresponding to history and culture are formed to serve the surrounding community, revive the public attribute of the site and strengthen the sense of cultural identity. Finally, through architectural regeneration, the layered history of the plot is displayed, and the new functional types and forms rewrite the new urban order, realizing the transformation and redevelopment of the plot. In historic and cultural cities like Yangzhou, the city is like a museum. The condensation, collage and coexistence of heritage from different eras are its essential attributes, and are also common situations encountered in urban regeneration work today. The regeneration work of the Subei Cinema plot on Guangling Road in Yangzhou can provide a methodological reference, and is also one of the paths to inclusive urban transformation through culture.

Amid the shift toward development within existing urban fabrics, historic urban residential areas represented by heritage communities face a dual challenge: revitalizing declining neighborhoods while preserving cultural identity. These communities are pressured to attract younger populations and improve vitality, yet remain crucial for safeguarding living heritage and sustaining embedded social fabrics. This tension necessitates innovative urban planning approaches that address both demographic transformation and cultural continuity. This study aims to explore synergistic strategies that reconcile the long term goal of living heritage conservation with the immediate objective of enhancing community vitality in heritage communities. It focuses on two core questions: (1) How can heritage communities leverage historical resources—especially living heritage—to coordinate between original residents and new migrants, thereby enhancing the vitality of community public spaces? (2) In response to policy driven vitality enhancement and resulting demographic shifts, how can conservation and renewal strategies be coordinated to integrity of heritage communities, the dynamic continuity of heritage functions, and the intergenerational transmission of cultural practices? This study examines two adjacent, contrasting heritage communities in Nanjing, China. One features higher vitality, younger demographics, a cohesive community, flexible conservation strategies, and active participation; the other demonstrates limited vitality, aging, inward looking community, rigid strategies, and weak engagement. Using public space vitality as the main indicator of community vitality, the research combines individual based survey analysis and case comparison. A stated preference (SP) questionnaire, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and a Logit model are used to examine factors influencing spatial behavior, with particular focus on historical resources. The conceptual framework of Structural Causal Modeling (SCM) is leveraged to conduct comparative community analysis, identifying key divergent factors and potential policy pathways. The study yielded the following findings: First, through individual preference surveys and analysis, historical elements—particularly those associated with living heritage—play an irreplaceable role in shaping spatial perception, influencing behavioral choices, and generating spatial vitality. Features such as architectural continuity, and socially embedded rituals enhance the perceived richness and cultural atmosphere of public spaces, significantly affecting individuals’ spatial preferences and usage patterns. Community public spaces function as pivotal bridges between original residents and incoming migrants, though their roles diverge across groups. While local residents value familiarity and spatial stability, young migrants are primarily drawn by cultural atmosphere and activity diversity. Critically, shared recognition of living heritage among culturally aware youth creates vital opportunities to transcend group differences and foster social cohesion and new place based identities. Second, the comparative study of two heritage communities revealed a critical distinction. Static preservation and rigid functional continuation only yield positive effects for a small segment of original residents. For the majority, including migrants and younger locals, such approaches actually damage their willingness to engage in activities or reside in the area, thereby diminishing the vitality. Conversely, adaptive continuity of living heritage which manifested in adaptable functions, cultural activities, and ongoing residential life, proves essential for attracting external residents and activities. The observed disparity in community vitality likely stems from the absence of "community" and "culture" within the living heritage concept in certain areas. This gap, compounded by insular social groups and deficient participatory mechanisms, establishes a vicious cycle of mutual impairment where both heritage protection and community vitality are persistently eroded. Third, synthesized findings highlight the need to advance beyond static models to co create living heritage. This requires shifting participation from informal networks toward inclusive governance structures—notably via semi formal engagement platforms and heritage centered collaborative planning. Such mechanisms combat community decline and sustain diverse group coexistence in heritage communities. Ultimately, balancing conservation and vitality requires actively fostering adaptive continuity of living heritage via inclusive participation and adaptive management.

In many Arab cities, public spaces remain underutilized, disconnected from local communities, or rendered inaccessible due to socio-political fragmentation and a lack of inclusive design. This project was developed under the research initiative “Power Relations in Urban Governance: Participation in Public Space of the Arab Cities” (PR-GPS), funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). As part of this initiative, a youth-driven placemaking intervention was conducted in Ira, As-Salt Municipality, Jordan. The initiative mobilized young people, planning students, and urban practitioners in a live-action urban design studio that reimagined a neglected public park through collaborative design, temporary spatial installations, and cultural storytelling. The project served as a live urban laboratory to test how low-cost, high-impact interventions can activate public spaces, foster intergenerational dialogue, and strengthen community resilience. It also demonstrated the value of practice-based planning pedagogy and inclusive design methodologies in enhancing everyday urban life. This contribution aligns with the ISOCARP 2025 theme and speaks directly to Track 4: Culture, Identity, and Inclusive Urban Transformation. It addresses how bottom-up spatial practices—especially those rooted in local narratives and youth engagement—can reshape public space beyond formal planning channels. The project emphasizes the value of temporary, iterative interventions in reimagining the commons, particularly in contexts marked by socio-spatial fragmentation and weak civic infrastructure. The placemaking approach highlights the power of cultural sensitivity, contextual storytelling, and co-production in cultivating inclusive urban environments. By embedding these methods in an immersive, interdisciplinary teaching and research environment, the initiative facilitated meaningful collaboration between planning students, local stakeholders, and municipal actors. The process—comprising site analysis, user engagement, and rapid prototyping—resulted in spatial interventions that addressed both the functional needs and symbolic significance of public space. The project foregrounds tactical urbanism as a replicable, accessible planning tool, especially in resource-constrained contexts. It offers a process framework centered on community dialogue, cultural responsiveness, and design iteration—departing from conventional, top-down approaches. In doing so, the intervention not only improved the physical quality of the space but also forged new institutional relationships and participatory pathways for public space governance. Finally, the project makes a valuable contribution to planning education by illustrating how experiential, practice-based learning cultivates professional empathy, design-thinking, and systems literacy among emerging urbanists. The findings suggest that integrating such approaches into public space policy and educational curricula can improve institutional responsiveness and deepen grassroots engagement. This contribution proposes a transferable, context-sensitive placemaking methodology that merges pedagogy, policy innovation, and cultural engagement—offering urban planners and educators a tested framework for resilient and inclusive urban transformation in cities navigating transition and spatial inequality.