Learning from Italian Typology- and Morphology-Led Planning Techniques: A Planning Framework for Yingping, Xiamen

Abstract

As a vital historic neighborhood with an indeterminate large-scale planning scheme, Yingping, located in the city center of Xiamen, China, is struggling with poor livability and growing incoherent private additions and renovations that largely undermine the local historic urban landscape. Inspired by Italian typology- and morphology-led planning techniques, this study explores the possible interpretations and implications of their applications in Yingping to address its interconnected, heterogeneous, and stratified urban fabric and planning problems. The research is developed through a two-pronged multi-layered planning framework. Firstly, from the maintenance perspective, five intervention approaches are grouped, with a specific focus on the leading structural elements of the urban fabric—the arcade streets. Secondly, from the morphological view and through the ecological lens, six characterized areas are identified and classified with respective morphological features and crucial planning problems being faced. This framework provides a strategic thematization of corresponding optimizing strategies and suitable guidelines to direct future governmental actions and to support the self-maintenance of local inhabitants toward sustainable development. The study also presents the possibility that such techniques are applicable to the Chinese context and is expected to inspire further research and practices in China and beyond.

Historic urban landscape

“…In this sense, Amoruso's research offers an in-depth study into the many different digital tools and methodologies which can be used in the mapping phase, justifying this process in detail in accordance with the HUL definition (Amoruso, 2015). There are, however, also cases which, despite justifying the need to engage with heritage using the HUL approach, focus more on how to analyse historic buildings in depth (Xie, 2019) and treat conservation as an iconic or visual topic (Causevic et al, 2019). Finally, there are also cases which have focused their research on the appropriateness of using the HUL approach as a guide in compiling records that can be used for WHL applications as it will make monitoring and management easier (Gaillard and Rodwell, 2015;Gaillard, 2011;Guoping, 2014;Li et al, 2014).…”

Adaptive Reuse of Historical Buildings Using ARP Model: The Case of Qishla Castle in Koya City

“…These values ought to be used as a springboard in the entire management and development of the city, in accordance with the HUL method (UNESCO, 2011, p. 3). The UNESCO Recommendation on Historic Urban Landscape (2011) defines HUL as an urban area understood as the result of historical layers of cultural and natural values and features, extending beyond the concept of a ''historic center'' or ''ensemble'' to include the broader urban context and geographical framework (Causevic et al, 2019;Renes, 2014;Rey-Pe´rez & Pereira Roders, 2020;Xie, 2019). Topography, geomorphology, natural features, the built environment-both historic and modern-and open spaces, land use patterns, spatial organization, and all other components of the urban structure are included in this broader context, along with social and cultural practices and values, economic processes, and intangible aspects of heritage.…”

“…In the context of cities with a rich historical legacy, the integration of historic buildings, landscape structures, and references to archeological finds are used to invest in new cities that have a little place with stories to tell and sites to visit (Renes, 2014). There are cases that, although justifying the need to engage with heritage using a historic urban landscape approach, focus more on how to analyze historical buildings in depth (Xie, 2019) and approach conservation as a creative or visual theme (Causevic et al, 2019; Chandler & Pace, 2020; Pastor Pérez et al, 2021; Rey-Pérez & Pereira Roders, 2020; Veldpaus & Szemző, 2021). In line with this aforementioned context, the Qishla building represents the past and identity of the entire city of Koya.…”

Form-Based Regulations to Prevent the Loss of Urbanity of Historic Small Towns: Replicability of the Monte Carasso Case

“…The possibility of implementing morphology-or form-based planning systems-has been analyzed, referring to both European [25][26][27], and non-European contexts [28][29][30], but their potential has still not been sufficiently explored [31]. The planning procedure of Monte Carasso was classified here as form based or morphological, despite not being referred to as such by stakeholders.…”