Work

Morphological Evolution and Socio-Cultural Transformation in Historic Urban Areas: A Historic Urban Landscape Approach from Luoyang, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The historical authenticity of historic urban areas has been compromised, and community cohesion has declined, necessitating comprehensive methods to systematically identify spatial textures and socio-cultural transformation characteristics. This study investigates the Jianxi Historic Urban Area in Luoyang from a Historic Urban Landscape perspective, integrating GIS, sDNA tools, and semi-structured interviews to analyze material spatial evolution and socio-cultural shifts. The findings reveal stable street network structures enhanced by road expansions, functional intensification marked by rising residential density and tertiary sector growth, and high replacement rates of 1950s–1960s buildings that improved the area’s physical quality but disrupted historical continuity and heritage integrity. Material transformations fragmented collective memory and reshaped residents’ sense of place identity. This research proposes sustainable renewal strategies, emphasizing refined gradient control models, community identity revitalization, and participatory decision-making, offering actionable insights for regenerating historic urban areas.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15081373

Authors: Xiaozhen Zhang, Yunying Ren, Jing Lv, Yonghao Geng, Changxi Su, Ruiqu Ma

Institutions: Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Glasgow School of Art, Yunnan University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Development and Cultural Heritage

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137