The dialogues in the regeneration of metropolitan heritage conservation areas: Case of Pingjiang Area, Suzhou

Abstract

In 2014, the Chinese Central Government earmarked fourteen Chinese cities with ‘red lines’, preventing further urban expansion. Listed as national famous historical and cultural cities in China, each of these fourteen cities contains run-down areas in its urban centre. The regeneration of heritage conservation areas (HCA) is a growing trend for future urban development, involving specific protection strategies and spatial requirements. The majority of such regeneration projects entail incentives driven by local governments. Linked to this, since the 1980s, urban governance has transformed from managerialism to more entrepreneurial practices. This transformation facilitates multi-stakeholder engagement in regeneration projects, and in particular, emphasising community engagement as a tool to assist with the transference of cultural values and the further promotion of sustainable development. By examining morphological conditions and spatial parameters of the Pingjiang Area of Suzhou, this paper aims to explicate the realisation of multi-stakeholder collaboration in the regeneration process of Chinese metropolitan heritage conservation areas. The discussion outlines spatial frameworks specific to collaboration-oriented regeneration projects and the morphological tools needed to implement regeneration strategies. Conclusions analyse the appropriation and morphological tools associated with regeneration projects, drawing points to future research into urban morphology and city identity.