From Neglected to Vibrant: Urban Regeneration of Nonconservation Historic Districts in Tongzhou’s South Street, Beijing

Abstract

Nonprotected historic districts, a concept first proposed in 2016, in Chinese cities such as South Street face significant challenges due to limited attention, the absence of legal protections, and strong protection measures. These districts often lie outside conservation zones, making them particularly vulnerable to disruptive urban renewal practices that threaten their historic fabric and the well-being of their residents. This study focuses on the South Street of the Tongzhou district to analyze its architectural, green space, and traffic-related social challenges and propose intervention strategies for renewing nonconservation areas. The results show that residents view their district’s architecture as outdated and lacking in character. New construction disrupts streetscapes and reduces public spaces. Debris clutters streets, and drainage issues worsen after rainfall flooding. Traffic congestion is also a significant problem due to a supply–demand imbalance. In addition, given the scarcity of green spaces and their weak ties with the community, there is an urgent need to enhance their usage. Given this, the study advocates for a holistic approach to renewing nonprotected historical blocks, emphasizing the importance of meeting residents’ needs through small-scale, gradual, and sustainable interventions. These strategies aim to reduce the likelihood of total redevelopment and promote a more balanced, resident-centerd approach to the regeneration of nonprotected historic districts by prioritizing the protection of historical memory and ensuring the continuity of the urban context.