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Dynamic Adaptability and Street Vitality in Hutong Neighborhoods of Beijing’s Old City

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the dynamic adaptability of Dashilar’s hutong system and its role in maintaining street vitality and functional mix in Beijing’s old city. Defined as small-scale incremental adjustments without large reconstruction, dynamic adaptability is evaluated through four dimensions: network connectivity, human-scale proportion, functional mix, and street-edge interaction. The results indicate that Dashilar’s well-connected network and human-scale streets support walkability and small-scale commerce, while historical comparison reveals how the area has continuously adapted to socio-economic changes, maintaining long-term street vitality through such adaptive spatial processes.

Source: Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ)

DOI: 10.3130/aija.91.1349

Authors: Yao LU, Takashi ARIGA, Mei KOMATSU

Institution: Waseda University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Development and Cultural Heritage

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Southeast University