Analysis of Multi-Dimensional Layers in Historic Districts Based on Theory of the Historic Urban Landscape: Taking Shenyang Fangcheng as an Example

Abstract

The accelerated process of urbanisation in China is resulting in a decline in and threat to the historic landscape of historic districts. This study is based on the theory of historic urban landscapes and employs a multi-dimensional layers research framework for historic districts. It adopts a single case study and a research method that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. The stratification elements of Fangcheng in Shenyang are identified and summarised, the process of stratification is analysed, and the stratification patterns and laws are summarised through the acquisition and collection of multivariate data. The findings of this study indicate that the stratification elements of the Fangcheng Historic District have undergone five distinct phases of stratification evolution. The resulting stratification pattern can be summarised as follows: newborn, preserve, override, juxtaposition and decession. The spatial elements are layered in the following pattern: The historic landscape can be conceptualised as comprising four layers: (1) the layering of the historic landscape with large public buildings as the anchor point; (2) the layering of the historic landscape with the spatial pattern as the skeleton; (3) the layering of the historic landscape with the iconic buildings as the nodes; and (4) the layering of the historic landscape with the correlative elements as the substrate. The law of value element layering primarily reflects the principles of concentration, diversity and adaptation. In light of the urban historic landscape theory, the reconstruction and restoration strategies, integration of old and new and adaptive conservation of historic landscapes are proposed to offer novel insights and guidance for the conservation of the historic landscape in the Fangcheng Historic District.

1. Introduction

The acceleration of urbanisation has resulted in many cities around the globe facing significant challenges, including those of urban sprawl, land-use change and urban planning. These challenges have contributed to the decline of historic urban areas and have posed serious threats to cultural heritage. In this context, the Vienna Memorandum was adopted at the Conference on World Heritage and Contemporary Architecture held in 2005, in which the concept of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) was first proposed. The concept of the HUL is not a novel type of heritage, nor is it a distinct conservation methodology [1]. Rather, it is an overarching and pragmatic theory that serves as the foundation for a comprehensive and integrated approach to the identification, assessment, conservation and management of urban heritage. This approach is multidimensional and holistic, offering a macro-plan of action for heritage conservation and management. The objective is to emphasise the historical and cultural values of cities and integrate them into the decision-making process of urban planning and development. This is achieved by viewing the city as a dynamic system encompassing multiple historical periods, multiple cultures and community participation, as well as the changes in the development of cities as a complex historical process. Furthermore, an integrated, participatory and sustainable approach to the assessment and management of historic urban landscapes is advocated in order to maintain a dynamic balance between the urban environment, the natural environment and the historic heritage.

As a macroscopic heritage conservation programme and action guide, the HUL elucidates the methodology of urban heritage management from the perspective of the contemporary context. It demonstrates that the HUL is an efficacious instrument for the active management of urban change and proposes six key steps and four effective means based on practical experience. In light of the evolving landscape of heritage types and values, the theory of the HUL is founded upon four core perspectives: holistic conservation, dynamic control of historical layers, diversified value orientation and sustainable development. It underscores the pivotal role of urban heritage in facilitating change, articulating and integrating with urban development, advocating for a holistic approach to conservation rather than isolated practices, emphasising dynamic control over static and pursuing a diversified value orientation rather than a single one. Ultimately, the theory strives to advance urban sustainable development [2,3,4]. In light of the evolving character of heritage and the concomitant shifts in value, the theory of urban historic landscapes is predicated on four core tenets: holistic conservation, dynamic management of historical layers, diversified value orientation and sustainable development. These principles underscore the evolving role of urban heritage in the context of urban development, the need for integrated approaches to conservation and urban growth, the primacy of dynamic control over static management and the importance of diversified value orientation. The overarching objective is to advance the sustainable development of cities.

In the context of the HUL, cultural heritage can be conceptualized as a dynamic and intricate system that encompasses not only individual edifices of architectural significance, but also the spatial configuration of the city, the street network, the landscape character, the social structure, and the intangible heritage associated with specific cultures, customs and historical events. This perspective underscores the manner in which the various levels and components of urban space interact with one another to give rise to the distinctive character of the city. The HUL perspective places emphasis on the concept of wholeness and systemicity, thereby providing a theoretical framework and methodological support for the conservation of historic districts. It is no longer accurate to view historic districts as isolated groups of buildings; rather, they are integral components of the city’s overall structure, function, culture and natural environment. Consequently, the preservation of historic districts cannot be limited to the maintenance of a single building; it must also encompass the district’s relationship with its surrounding environment, natural elements and social functions. This approach ensures the continuity of the entire HUL.

<The Recommendation on HUL> (2011) has repeatedly referred to the layered approach, suggesting that the HUL is urban areas in which cultural and natural values and attributes are formed by layering, as a result of a combination of values and characteristics [5]. Furthermore, the Recommendation defines historic layering as the layers of places, buildings, artefacts, and traces of social and cultural activities that have been formed in the course of the city’s historical development. It is essential to record and study the townscape and its evolution across different historical periods in order to facilitate the subsequent robust illustration and corroboration of the conservation plan scheme, as well as to facilitate the improvement and optimisation of conservation and management [6]. In recent years, the theory and methodology of the urban historic landscape have been promoted and practised globally, with the support of UNESCO, resulting in enhanced conservation outcomes. To illustrate, the city of Edinburgh in Scotland has devised pertinent conservation policies with the objective of fostering the growth of tourism, motivating the public and private sectors to engage in heritage conservation, and offering incentives and subsidies. Similarly, the government of Wroclaw in Poland has restored historic buildings through the enhancement of international collaboration. The restoration of historic buildings and improvement of public space have been identified as opportunities to promote the sustainable development of the city through the strengthening of international cooperation. In Karlsruhe, Germany, the protection of the Baroque urban texture and culture, and the enhancement of the quality of the public’s living environment through the improvement of pedestrian streets, the restoration of streets and the improvement of traffic, have been achieved.

In terms of theoretical construction, Y.L. (2014) creatively put forward the “anchoring-layering” model to analyse the selection of anchoring points, layering patterns and effects [7]; S.F. and B.S. (2023) put forward the “folding” method of the urban historic landscape to achieve the continuous reproduction of the historic landscape through folding in the dimensions of time and space [8]. In terms of law analysis, J.X. (2019) deciphered the law of layering by establishing the pattern and form of the town, cluster texture, landmarks and cultural associations [9,10]; N.Y. (2020) analysed the layering law of the “pattern-structure-texture-facade” composite carrier [11]; R.C. (2020) put forward a methodology and content framework for analysing layering law, in terms of the evolution of spatial pattern and the association of environmental elements. In terms of protection practice [12], H.L. (2020), starting from the protection of the urban historical landscape, through the establishment of the “cultural accumulation model”, and with the perspective of “value association” and “historical accumulation”, put forward the overall association of spatial and temporal objects, key control of characteristic elements, organic updating of functional units, and evaluation of the impacts of landscape changes on the historical landscape of towns and cities [13,14]. In addition, M.T. (2022) interpreted the spatial and temporal evolution process of urban landscape structure from the perspectives of ephemerality and co-temporality [15].

The extant research on historic districts is predominantly founded upon a static analytical framework, with comparatively limited investigation into the dynamics and multidimensional interactions of neighbourhood development. The majority of studies are constrained by a singular perspective, such as that of architecture, urban planning or cultural heritage protection. Consequently, they are unable to fully account for the composite nature of historic districts in terms of time, space, social and cultural dimensions. With regard to analytical methodology, a significant number of studies are characterised by a lack of systematicity, with descriptions often remaining localised and fragmented. This ultimately results in the generation of research findings that are challenging to generalise and lack robust theoretical support for the broader conservation and development of historic districts. The research objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to extend and expand the theory and methodology of the urban historic landscape, and to construct a multi-dimensional stratification analysis method for historic districts; (2) to establish a multi-dimensional stratification element system for historic districts and to identify the stratification elements, analyse the stratification process, analyse the stratification law and summarise the stratification pattern; and (3) to provide theoretical methods and a strategic basis for the conservation and development of historic districts.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Definition of Relevant Concepts

2.1.1. Multi-Dimensional Layers

The concept of stratification first originated in geology and archaeology, and refers to the geological phenomenon of layers stacked on top of each other produced by continuous changes in time and geological structures. In the field of cultural heritage conservation, the concept of stratification was first introduced in <the Recommendation on HUL> (2011). Through the use of the stratification method, it is possible not only to analyse the process of historical stratification and fully understand the changes in the historical landscape, but also to analyse the pattern and law of stratification [16,17]. Layer accumulation is not only an investigation and integration of the basic information of the HUL, but also has great significance for understanding the structure and evolution of cities, excavating urban values and protecting the urban landscape; meanwhile, the theory of layer accumulation, as an effective supplement to the HUL, also provides a specific research method and practical tool for urban conservation [18,19].

A multi-dimensional layered analysis can elucidate the evolution of historic districts by dissecting the morphology of districts in different historical periods. Furthermore, it is capable of tracking the changes experienced by historic districts at different stages, elucidating which morphological features are retained over an extended period and which are retained for a specific period. Given the historical, systematic, dynamic, hierarchical and differentiated nature of the layers of historic neighbourhoods, it is not only able to reveal the changes of historic neighbourhoods in different periods but also provide a scientific basis for contemporary urban renewal and historic heritage preservation.

In terms of epistemology, multidimensional stratification refers to the phenomenon of reflecting the chronological phenomenon of historical space through the superposition of space and time. This is achieved by transcending three-dimensional historical space and four-dimensional time measurements, and taking a single stratification element as an evolutionary unit on the basis of ephemerality and co-temporality [20,21]. Consequently, multidimensional lamination is the consequence of the interaction between individual or multiple evolutionary units and the entirety of historical space, whereby the individuality and specificity of the evolutionary units are highlighted. In terms of methodology, multidimensional stratification has two distinct meanings: (1) the identification and extraction of stratification elements in multiple dimensions, i.e., the construction of a multidimensional stratification element system; and (2) the multidimensional analysis of the stratification of the historical landscape, i.e., the element dimension, the process dimension, the pattern dimension and the law dimension [22].

2.1.2. Historic Districts

The concept of historic districts has its origins in Europe and the United States in the 1970s. Historic districts are defined as areas within a city that comprise buildings, streets and public spaces of high historical and cultural value, with a distinctive historical and cultural heritage and urban landscape. These areas exhibit a concentration of historical relics, a relatively complete historical style and neighbourhood landscape, and a rich historical and cultural context [23].

Academics do not have a unified definition of “historic district”, which in a broad sense includes concepts such as “historic district”, “historic center”, “historic urban area”, “historic lot”, etc. In a narrow sense, “historic district” is the same as “historic and cultural district”. The broad definition of “historic district” includes the concepts of “historic area”, “historic center”, “historic urban area”, “historic lot”, etc. The concept of “historic district” in the narrower sense is similar to the concept of “historic and cultural district”, and the concept of “historic area” is similar to the concept of “historic and cultural district”. The concept of “historic district” in the narrow sense is similar to that of “historic and cultural district”, with the difference that “historic and cultural district” is an important part of China’s famous city protection system, and has statutory effect. At the same time, there are different names for “historic districts” in China, such as “historical and cultural landscape area”, “historical and cultural district”, “historical landscape area”, “Historical and Cultural Landscape Area”, “Historical Lot”, “Historical and Cultural Protection Area”, “Historical and Cultural Traditional Neighborhood”, “Historical and Cultural Landscape Block”, “Historical and Cultural Landscape District”, “Historical and Cultural Heritage Neighborhoods”, “Historical Landscape Architectural Districts”, etc. These concepts are not obviously different in nature, so this study adopts the unified concept of “Historical Neighborhoods” [24,25].

2.1.3. Urban Heritage

Urban heritage can be defined as the aggregate of tangible and intangible elements within a city that possess historical, cultural, artistic, social or scientific value. It encompasses tangible assets such as historical edifices, cultural landscapes, historic neighbourhoods and public spaces, as well as intangible heritage that reflects the city’s distinctive culture, traditions, customs, language and collective memory. Urban heritage not only evinces the historical and cultural evolution of a city but also encapsulates the identity and social memory of its inhabitants, reflecting the city’s distinctive character. Urban heritage is a more expansive concept, encompassing all forms of cultural vestiges and historical elements throughout the city. Historic districts, as the nucleus and a prototypical exemplar of urban heritage, are centralized preservation areas that are preserved and inherited through specific spatial and architectural carriers, such as historic districts.

2.2. Research Framework

This study employs a multidimensional analysis method of historic district accumulation based on the ephemeral and co-temporal nature of historic landscape (Figure 1), as derived from a systematic examination of the theory of the HUL. The research path of “element-process-mode-pattern” is utilized to identify the built environment, spatial pattern and regional cultural lineage elements of Fangcheng’s historic district through case studies. The case study enables the identification of the built environment, spatial pattern and cultural elements of the Fangcheng Historic District. Furthermore, it facilitates an analysis of the process of layering through time slices, events and important landscape changes. The layering modes are then summarised as follows: newborn, preserve, override, juxtaposition and decession. Finally, the layering pattern of the Historic District is analysed from both a spatial and a value perspective.

2.3. Layered Element System Construction

A historic district can be defined as the sum of the spatial form, pattern and style of the regional environment, as well as the concentration of historical, cultural, social, economic and aesthetic values. It can also be seen as a multi-dimensional reflection and embodiment of the layered elements of the historic landscape. In order to gain insight into the form, style and spatial characteristics of the historic landscape, this study employs a three-dimensional system of layered elements of the built environment, spatial pattern and regional cultural lineage (

Table 1. Historic district layered element composition system.

Level 1 Elements	Level 2 Elements	Level 3 Elements	Connotation and Characteristics
Built environment (explicit elements)	Architecture monomers	Function, structure, material, style, etc.	Buildings in the historic district constitute the historic landscape and landscape character of the neighbourhood through their scale and massing, proportion and rhythm, and materials and techniques.
	Street space	Type, interface, scale, etc.	Streets in historic districts are both linear spaces with sequences and places for living and interacting with a sense of domains and boundaries; continuity, rhythm and cadence are historic districts.
	Places cape	Plazas, landscape structures, others	Placescapes are often spatial sequences with a monumental and ceremonial feel that serve as guiding areas for iconicity and a sense of place, and are important layered carriers of the historic landscape.
	District colour	Environmental & architectural colours	As an important part of the historical landscape, the colour of the historic district directly affects the overall appearance and characteristics of the historic district, and can also reflect the humanistic and historical connotation of the district.
	Fifth elevation	Roof type, combination form, roof scale, etc.	The fifth elevation, i.e., the roof elevation, is an external reflection of the overall landscape style of the historic district from a bird’s-eye view, as well as a three-dimensional demonstration of the cultural, regional and planning structural forms, reflecting the typical landscape characteristics of traditional Chinese-style historic districts.
Spatial pattern (localized dominant elements)	Natural environment	Macro-geographic environment, micro-urban environment	Topographic and geomorphic features are the basis for the existence of historic districts, and their natural environments give the districts their typical landscape features.
	Spatial pattern	Street pattern, building layout, node space, etc.	Spatial form is a spatial system consisting of structures, shapes and interrelationships, including stratified space in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, and is the result of transformations and alternations among various elements.
	District texture	Street texture, building texture	Neighbourhood texture is a spatial feature formed under the joint influence of natural environment, political, cultural, military, religious, ethnic and other social and human factors.
	View corridor	Dot, line, surface	Landscape view corridors are a prerequisite for the visibility of iconic historic landscapes and are important landscape corridors for neighbourhood appearance.
	District outline	Built landscape form, natural element form	District outlines are the visual image of the historic landscape dominated by historic buildings as high points and visual control centres, creating interconnected spatial tensions.
Regional culture (invisible elements)	Place spirit	Experience of the spirit of place, human interaction with place	The spirit of place relies on the material space outside the specific connection of human activities or spatial environment, carrying people’s experience and needs for the specific spatial environment, embodying the unique temperament and characteristics of the spatial environment of the neighbourhood, while giving psychological hints and guidance to provide a sense of belonging, a sense of identity, a sense of the domain and so on.
	Traditional folklore	Folk activities, traditional arts and crafts, old businesses	Traditional folklore is an important part of the elements of regional culture and exists in the form of attributes of intangible elements in the daily life of the historic district.
	Community culture	Community networks, residential life, neighbourhood interactions	Community culture is an important manifestation of the cultural elements of human settlements-type historic districts, and is closely related to the historical origins of the district, the composition of its residents, living habits and other factors, reflecting the residents’ lifestyles, values and social relations.

). These elements are constructed on the basis of related studies, which are interconnected and organic, and together exert a dominant influence on the historic landscape of the historic district [26].

2.4. Main Research Methods

In order to analyse in depth the cascading processes, laws and effects of the historic district, this study adopts a single case study approach. It provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of a specific, bounded system or process to reveal its intrinsic operating mechanisms and influencing factors. In this study, the Shenyang Fangcheng Historic District was selected as a research case, which covers different historical periods, geographical areas and cultural backgrounds, and can ensure the breadth and universality of the research results.

Case study method: (1) conduct in-depth field research on the Fangcheng Historic District and collect relevant historical documents, maps, photographs and other primary data; (2) organise and analyse the collected data to identify the elements of lamination of the Fangcheng Historic District and construct a time sequence of its lamination process; (3) through comparative analysis of the lamination process and the results of different cases, the pattern and law of lamination of the Fangcheng Historic District are finally revealed.

Multiple data collection and analysis methods were utilised, including a literature review, expert interviews, questionnaire surveys, urban typology, urban morphology, GIS spatial analysis, etc., which can obtain rich and comprehensive data and information, and provide strong support for the analysis of the layers of historic districts. The field of urban morphology is concerned with the shape and structure of the space occupied by historical neighbourhoods and the evolution of these forms in the course of historical development. By analysing the changes in material elements, it seeks to elucidate the manner in which the urban structure evolved over time and the impact of social, economic, political and other factors on this process. GIS spatial analysis mainly integrates data from different sources (e.g., historical archives, current situation surveys, image data, etc.) on the same platform to achieve cross-temporal analyses, and analyses the interactions between different elements in a neighbourhood through spatial relationship models. For example, by analysing the spatial layout of buildings and streets and squares, the functional zoning of the neighbourhood and its changes can be revealed. It is also possible to analyse the spatial structures within the neighbourhood (e.g., central axis, secondary traffic routes, etc.) and study the changes of these structures in different historical periods. For example, the distribution of historical buildings in relation to the overlap of modern buildings, and the evolution of the road system in the neighbourhood.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis: (1) Quantitative analysis can be employed to reveal the quantitative characteristics and patterns of the accumulation of historic districts through the utilisation of statistical data. This may be achieved by employing statistical methods to conduct a quantitative analysis of the elements of the accumulation of historic districts. This may entail the calculation of the number of various types of buildings, the proportion, the distribution of age and so forth. At the same time, spatial analysis methods may be employed to visualise the aforementioned data. The spatial pattern of the historic districts, the changes in the landscape, etc., can be visualised and analysed. (2) Qualitative analysis can be carried out through the in-depth analysis and interpretation of cases and in-depth interviews and field research so as to reveal the process, pattern and law of historic district stratification, and reveal the qualitative characteristics and internal mechanism of historic district stratification.

2.5. Research Subjects

The Shenyang Fangcheng Historic District was chosen as the research object because, as a typical representative with rich historical and cultural heritage, it can provide a unique case for the theoretical and methodological study of urban historic landscape. The Shenyang Fangcheng Historic District not only has an important position in Chinese history, but also shows a complex multi-dimensional layering phenomenon in terms of spatial form, cultural accumulation and functional evolution. Through the study of Fangcheng, its performance and role in the urban historical landscape can be analysed in depth, promoting the extension of theory and methodology.

The Shenyang Fangcheng Historic District is situated within the central area of the Shenhe District, Shenyang City (Figure 2). It is circumscribed by the districts to the east, west, south and north along Shuncheng Street Road. The protected area encompasses 166 hectares, with a further 39.78 hectares designated as a construction control zone, representing approximately 24% of the total area of the district (Figure 3). Fangcheng has historical value as it witnessed the development of Shenyang city, marking the beginning of Shenyang’s urban history, which spans 2300 years. Its spatial characteristics are representative of China’s existing system of complete and unique ancient city models. These models feature a square city, a well-developed road network, a palace city at the centre, with marketplaces at the front and back, a city square and a round city, as well as four towers that protect the city and palace. The palace city is characterised by the fusion of eight gates and eight passes typical of a square city. The architectural art of Fangcheng serves as a significant conduit for the cultural heritage of the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. It can be argued that the city represents the most important carrier of Qing culture. In terms of architectural art, Fangcheng plays an important role in the dissemination of Qing and Republican cultural influences, exhibiting a distinctive style that reflects the convergence of diverse cultural and architectural traditions [27].

3. Results

3.1. Recognition of Layered Elements

3.1.1. Identification of Built Environment Elements

(1) Building Monomer

In accordance with the chronological sequence of the layers of the Fangcheng Historic District, the buildings can be classified into the following categories: traditional Chinese style, historicism style, fusion style and so on (Figure 4). The architectural styles exhibit a diversification of characteristics and a fusion development trend due to the influence of culture, aesthetics, technology and trends of thought in different periods. In ancient times, the buildings were predominantly constructed in accordance with traditional Chinese architectural principles, which emphasised hierarchy, central axis symmetry and other layout forms. This reflected the integration of diverse nationalities. In modern times, the architectural style has been influenced by Western architectural culture and design trends. This has resulted in a simple imitation of the fusion trend of Western architecture. This is a localised translation of Western architectural elements and features. The public buildings include the Forbidden City of the Qing Dynasty, modern administrative offices, banks, schools, religious buildings, recreational facilities and other types of building. The residential buildings include the former residences of celebrities, official residences and so on. The structural forms include the traditional raised beam wooden structure of ancient China, the modern brick–concrete structure, the mixed brick and wood structure and the mixed structure.

(2) Street Space

The Fangcheng Historic District encompasses a diverse array of urban forms, including traffic, commercial and landscape streets, as well as typical hutong streets and alleys. These narrow passages, measuring no more than 500 m in length and 8 m in width, evoke a sense of intimacy and mystery. The main road, Shenyang Road, is situated at the lowest point of the interface. It is surrounded by the World Heritage Shenyang Imperial Palace, which serves as the core of the area (Figure 5). The traditional Chinese style serves as the basis for the style, while red walls and yellow tiles serve as the basis for the colour. The streets on either side of the modern and traditional buildings reflect each other in terms of material, colour and style, forming a dominant landscape. With regard to the scale of the streets, the D/H value of the principal thoroughfare in Fangcheng is 0.95, that of the secondary street is 2.25, and the D/H value of the remaining streets ranges from 0.56 to 2.75. The overall street scale is more agreeable and essentially preserves the historical street scale.

(3) Landscape of the Place

The landscape of the Fangcheng Historic District is characterised by open spaces and landscape structures, with the square representing a particularly prominent example. Its geometrical symmetry serves to emphasise the aesthetic concept of harmony and order, while the layout not only enhances the visual appeal of the square but also reinforces the sense of spatial unity and coherence. This is exemplified by the Forbidden City Plaza, the Ancient City Plaza and the Museum Plaza (Figure 6). The landscape structures encompass a variety of functional, decorative and monumental structures, including city walls, temples, drum towers, ancestral halls, ancient wells, pagodas, sculptures and monuments. These structures possess a multitude of attribute values, including those pertaining to military, political, religious, functional and artistic significance. They serve as pivotal landscape symbols and nodes within the historic districts.

(4) Colouration

The city of Fangcheng is characterised by a prevalence of red and yellow, with the grey system serving to coordinate and accentuate the primary hues. The colour brightness and saturation are high, thereby creating a solemn, majestic and dignified atmosphere. The imperial residence is painted vermilion, which symbolizes the sun in the sky, representing supreme, auspicious and honourable qualities. Yellow, with its rich symbolic meaning in traditional Chinese culture, is the typical colour of royal buildings. The red brick walls and yellow glazed tiles reflect each other, thereby embodying festivity, auspiciousness and vitality. Blue and green are used in the decorative departments of traditional buildings, such as the arch, colourful paintings, balustrades and other decorative details. Such colour combinations are often used to decorate the façade of the building, plaques and beckoning fronts, etc., in order to emphasise the historical flavour of the neighbourhoods and the cultural characteristics.

(5) Fifth Elevation

The fifth elevation of the Fangcheng Historic District is based on the roof combinations of the ancient buildings of the Forbidden City, thereby creating a cityscape with a distinctive style (Figure 7). The variety of roof types observed in the area includes hipped roofs, overhanging roofs and hard roofs, among others. In terms of roof combinations, roof forms based on sloped roofs combined with heavy eaves and octagonal roofs are formed. In terms of roof scales, the main buildings are imposing, while the roof scales of the secondary buildings are relatively small, appearing light and airy. At the same time, the roofs are richly decorated with distinctive colours.

3.1.2. Identification of Spatial Pattern Elements

(1) Natural Environment

Fangcheng is situated in the northern reaches of the ancient Shenshui region (present-day Hun River), situated at the transition zone between the Changbai Mountains and the Liaohe Plain. This area is characterised by a pre-mountainous hilly topography. The eastern side of the city is adjacent to Hadaling, the remaining vein of the Changbai Mountains, the southern side borders the remaining vein of the Qianshan Mountains and the western side extends to the vast Lower Liaohe Plain. The area’s favourable geographic location and natural environment have led to it being known as “The Purple Breath Comes from the East, Heavenly Favors Shengjing” [28].

(2) Space Pattern

The urban design of Fangcheng is based on the traditional street pattern of the capital city, which serves to demonstrate the idea of imperial supremacy through the use of symmetry and distinctive spatial layout. This results in a pattern that is characteristic of the inner city, with the palace situated at the centre, the market located at the front and back and other key locations, as well as a basic pattern of road networks that are arranged in a “well” shape, with a certain degree of enclosure and clear boundaries. This urban design embodies the essence of ancient urban planning and the aesthetic principles that guided the construction of buildings in this period. It exemplifies the fundamental principles of urban planning and architectural aesthetics in ancient times, reflecting the notion of imperial authority through a symmetrical and hierarchical spatial configuration.

Fangcheng not only integrates Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan and other multi-ethnic cultures, but also embodies multi-cultural planning ideas of city building (Figure 8): (1) the location of the landscape and the orderly construction of the inner and outer cities reflects the Taoist simple view of nature; (2) the outer circle and inner square, four towers and four temples draws on the Tibetan Buddhist ‘altar city’ of the construction of ideas; (3) the use of the palace in the middle, the front and back of the city, and the layout of the left ancestor and right community mode embody the practice of Confucianism and the ‘Zhouli–Kaogongji’ camping rituals; (4) the city of the palace complex, the ‘palace high hall low’ layout and the unique architecture of the Manchus, and the square city inside and outside the city of the eight banners of the city pattern of fortification, are embodied in a strong colour of the Manchu culture.

In the node space organisation, the design approach of first suppression and then rise is employed to reinforce the spatial order and guidance. This is achieved through the strategic placement of entrance space permanent gate towers, pagodas, walls and other structures, as well as the traffic node set bell tower, drum tower and so forth. The West Huayuan gate tower, serving as the entrance node, is situated at the western end of the spatial sequence, which extends from west to east. This sequence encompasses the Wugongfang, Wendefang node and a series of significant landscape nodes within the Shenyang Imperial Palace, culminating at the eastern end with the Fujing door, which marks the termination of this sequence.

(3) Textures

From the perspective of urban typology, the texture and morphological characteristics of the Shenyang Fangcheng Historical Quarter are indicative of the influence of multiple historical periods. From the Qing Dynasty onwards, the city walls, streets and buildings formed a distinctive ‘well’ street pattern. From the perspective of urban typology, the urban texture of the Shenyang Fangcheng Historic District evinces a rich hierarchy of scales, from the large to the small, and from the coarse to the fine. From a macroscopic perspective, the Fangcheng area evinces a collage-like quality, establishing an organic connection with the surrounding area. At the mesoscopic level, the streets, courtyards and building combinations in Fangcheng constitute discrete neighbourhood units. In terms of scale and density, Fangcheng is distinguished by a high degree of building density and the prevalence of wide, straight streets, which contribute to a distinctive urban spatial scale.

(4) View Corridor

The Fangcheng Historical Quarter employs a multi-angle horizontal landscape view corridor, extending from the south to the north. The Phoenix Building and the Hall of Great Government represent the focal point of the view corridor, situated at the end of the line of sight, with the palace complex serving as the backdrop. The Phoenix Building and the Hall of Great Government function as landscape markers within this visual framework. In contrast, the streets on the east and west sides serve as two invisible axes, directing the gaze towards the pinnacle of the Fangcheng landscape (Figure 9).

(5) Outline

The Fangcheng Historic Quarter is a gentle and orderly contour line, with the layout of streets and buildings showing the characteristics of continuity, balance, regularity and softness. The building heights, styles and colours are relatively consistent, continuing the spatial order under the influence of the idea of “propriety”, forming an overall balanced and harmonious landscape and giving people a sense of stability and solemnity. The roofs of the traditional buildings form a continuous and varied skyline; the overall building height is low and gentle, with the Palace of the Forbidden City’s Dazheng Hall as the central high point, and East Fuxingmen and West Huayuanmen as the high points of the blocks, forming a good visual relationship and reflecting the characteristics of the Fangcheng landscape in the vertical space [29].

3.1.3. Identification of the Elements of Regional Cultural Heritage

(1) Spirit of the Place

Based on Shengjing capital culture, royal culture and Manchu culture, under the influence of traditional culture, the Fangcheng Historic Quarter with its solemn atmosphere and layered architectural layout embodies the essence of traditional ceremonial culture, while the architectural style gives people a sense of solemnity and majesty, forming a unique spirit of the place.

(2) Traditional Folklore

Using Fangcheng as a spatial carrier, intangible cultural elements such as folk activities, traditional skills, century-old shops and folk theatre have been preserved, forming the local culture of the northeast region, the ethnic culture of Manchurian–Han integration and the immigrant culture represented by “breaking through the gate to the East”. The Siping Lantern Festival, traditional architectural paintings and traditional lanterns, as well as centuries-old brands such as Tian Tian He, Guang Sheng Tang, Zui Hua Lou and Tian Yi Tang, are interwoven with the historical space and form unique symbols of the district.

(3) Community Culture

Under the influence of ancient political formations, the community network structure of Fangcheng focuses on the hierarchical order and the concept of the supremacy of imperial power, with the central area as the centre of power, the administrative institutions laid out on the south side surrounded by the princely mansions and the northernmost side as the bedchamber, forming a social network structure with imperial power as the core. In terms of residential lifestyle, the Fangcheng official residence type of residence is usually large-scale, with a rigorous layout, luxurious decorations, and a style comprised mostly of foreign style and fusion style; ordinary houses are mostly courtyards: in the middle of the courtyard, the overall layout is rigorous and orderly, the bedroom set up is inside the kang, and its architectural style, layout and interior decoration reflect the living habits of the Manchu and Han Chinese nationalities, the family consciousness and cultural traditions.

3.2. Analysis of the Layer Deposition Process

The layers of the Fangcheng Historic District can be divided into five phases: ① the initial construction of the city wall; ② the period of Shengjing Capital; ③ the period of integration and development; ④ the period of slow development; and ⑤ the period of protection and renewal (

Table 2. Layering process in the Fangcheng Historic District.

Phases	Times	Important Events	Constructive Thinking	Specificities
Initial construction of the city wall	140–1625 BC	(1) 140 BC, when Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty established Houcheng County; (2) 928 AD, the Liao Dynasty built a square rammed earth city, the city’s crossroads and the section minister and the eastern outskirts of the county Yamen; (3) 1296, the Yuan Dynasty on the site of the original city of the new earth city, the city’s cross street connected to the four gates, the construction of the City God Temple and the Temple of Chang’an; (4) 1388, the Ming Dynasty rebuilt the brick wall, the construction of the two ditches outside the city, the central temple was built.	- Military defence - Square city - Traditional rituals - Religion	With military defence as the dominant function, he built moats and high rammed-earth cities, and divided neighbourhoods by cross streets to create a unified landscape style.
Shengjing Capital period	1625–1912	(1) 1625, Nurhachu laid the capital of Shenyang, the construction of the Imperial Palace (East Wing), the city form for the separation of palaces; (2) 1626, renewed the construction of Danei Palace; 1631 changed the cross street for the Fountain Street, the construction of the Imperial City of the eight gates and bells and drums, renamed Shengjing; (3) 1644, Shengjing as a companion to the capital of the construction of the four towers and four temples, Shengjing Border City; (4) 1674, Siping Street (Middle Street) between the bells and drums as the commercial area; (5) 1680, additional Shengjing Pass wall, forming eight of eight gates, the inner square and outer circle of the city pattern.	- Ancient Chinese rituals (square city, tic-tac-toe road network, palace in the centre, market in the front and back) - Tan Cheng - Manchu culture	Based on the construction regulations of the capital city, the axes are in a distinctive order, the spatial pattern is clear, the streets and alleys are in a small-scale space, forming traditional Chinese-style features, and the boundaries, nodes, centres, areas, street landscapes and boundary landscapes are formed with a strong spatial order.
Integration development period	1912–1949	(1) The moat was gradually filled to form four open-air markets (the south side of the antique market, the north side of the wood shop, the east side of the vegetable market and brick and tile market, the west side of the miscellaneous BaDiYe); (2) 1914–1928, Fengtian warlords built the official residence and private residence, and at the same time the construction of Fengtian Governor’s Office, Fengtian Chamber of Commerce, Fengtian Police Department and other administrative buildings, and the widening of Siping Commercial Street; (3) 1929, demolition of the Bell Tower, Drum Tower; during the same period, the Siping Commercial Street was replaced by two- or three-storey buildings.	- Historic style (classical, gothic, eclectic, deco and other Western styles) - Fusion style	Some of the original historic buildings have disappeared, and the urban space of Well Street and the eight-gate pattern have not been changed, breaking the traditional Chinese neighbourhood style with the emergence of historic style and fusion style landscapes.
Terminal phase	1949–2000	(1) The demolition of the ancient city wall of Shenyang in 1956; only the northwest corner of the city wall remained; (2) after 1966, the demolition of the original courtyard residential compound, the construction of multi-storey rows of residential buildings; (3) after 1980, the rapid development of commercial Siping Street, as the core of the commercial district; (4) after 1990, the construction of some large commercial buildings and high-rise buildings; (5) in 1997, the reconstruction of Huayuan Gate, Fujin Gate.	- Modernisation - Old town renovation - Commercial development	The original courtyard style and hutong pattern have disappeared, the walled landscape has disappeared and modern residential and commercial complexes have appeared, resulting in a major change in the neighbourhood’s appearance.
Conservation renewal period	2000-present	(1) 2002, renovation of Zhang’s Shuaifu national key cultural heritage units; (2) 2004, Shenyang Imperial Palace was included in the world cultural heritage; (3) 2008, preparation of Fangcheng city design; (4) 2012, preparation of Fangcheng protection plan; (5) 2023, Fangcheng began to experience comprehensive protection and use.	- Urban renewal (micro renewal, organic renewal, urban weaving) - Environmental remediation	With the Forbidden City as the core and the tic-tac-toe pattern as the basis for stock planning, it aims to create a landscape pattern in which multiple styles coexist and the overall landscape is coordinated.

). Fangcheng started with a military defence function and gradually formed the landscape pattern of cross streets. With the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, important buildings such as palaces, temples and markets were constructed according to the traditional capital camp system, forming a complete urban spatial structure and a rich landscape environment. In the modern era, strong social changes affected the integration and development of nationalities and cultures, forming a unique cultural landscape and characteristics of the era. After the founding of the country in 1949, the scale of the neighbourhood did not expand any further, and the population growth also tended to stabilise. With the reform and opening-up and economic policies, destructive construction projects continued to increase in Fangcheng, and the historic landscape was seriously challenged and threatened at this stage. At the beginning of the 21st century, with increased awareness of environmental protection, the historic landscape began to be protected and restored as a cultural resource [30].

By examining ten significant historical sites, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Chang’an Temple, Bell Tower and Drum Tower (Figure 10), it is possible to discern the manner in which they have been layered over time.

(1) The pattern of Fangcheng’s historical landscapes was established prior to and following 1631. The fundamental architectural style, street and alley layouts, and spatial texture were shaped with the guidance of traditional Chinese camping ideas. The architectural style of the palace, temple, bell tower, drum tower and other structures exemplifies the traditional Chinese architectural style, exhibiting the hallmarks of architectural design that emerged during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Shenyang Imperial Palace, the nucleus of the Imperial City, evinced a similar architectural scale and layout to that of the Forbidden City in Beijing, thereby becoming a symbol of power and a cultural icon in the region. The street and alley layout were based on the principles of squareness and symmetry, forming a street network centred on the Imperial Palace and radiating outwards. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, as emblematic focal points of the city, reinforced the spatial integration between the urban core and the surrounding area. The initial formation of the spatial texture was centred on the palace, with important buildings and landscape nodes distributed symmetrically along strict axes. This demonstrates the rigour of urban planning and a high degree of spatial organisation at that time. The historical landscape of Fangcheng in this period not only laid the foundation of its material space, but also embodied the profound influence of traditional Chinese urban planning ideas.

(2) Between 1921 and 1966, the most significant period of destruction of the historical landscape, resulting from social changes and other factors, saw the original distinctive nodes and boundaries of the neighbourhood undergo partial disruption, paving the way for the integration of new neighbourhood landscapes. As a result of the ongoing process of modernisation and the associated social and political changes, the original typical nodes and boundaries, such as city walls and temples, were subjected to severe damage. A considerable number of traditional edifices and landscapes have been razed or otherwise compromised by the processes of urban expansion and renovation. This has resulted in the partial loss of the spatial structure and cultural significance of historic neighbourhoods. The advent of industrialisation and modernisation has resulted in the gradual formation of new neighbourhoods and functional spaces. The introduction of modern buildings and infrastructure has resulted in a transformation of the historical landscape of Fangcheng, with the emergence of new urban landscapes that are based on the existing structural framework. While this transformation brought economic growth and urban expansion, it also resulted in the partial erosion of the traditional cultural landscape. The social upheavals of the period, such as wars and revolutions, also led to the neglect of Fangcheng’s history and culture, and many significant cultural heritage sites were subjected to human-induced destruction or modification, further exacerbating the deterioration of the historical landscape.

(3) Around the year 2000, as awareness of the need for protection gradually increased, the restoration and protection of some nodes of the historical landscape commenced. The government and society have collectively promoted the protection and restoration of historical nodes, which has led to the revitalisation of numerous significant historical sites, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. This represents not only the rescue of tangible cultural heritage, but also the reconceptualisation of the city’s historical and cultural values. In addition to the traditional approach of static conservation, some historic buildings and neighbourhoods are now being given new cultural and economic functions. These include museums, cultural centres and tourist attractions. This revitalisation process has facilitated the reintegration of historic districts into modern urban life, while also providing a new impetus for their sustainable development. The harmonisation of historic and modern landscapes has been achieved in Fangcheng through the gradual enhancement of the latter, while preserving the former. The spatial relationship between history and modernity has been coordinated by urban planners, ensuring that the old and new landscapes coexist in harmony. The introduction of modern facilities has been combined with the restoration of historical neighbourhoods, enabling Fangcheng to retain its historical and cultural characteristics while adapting to the needs of modern urban development.

By examining ten significant historical sites, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Chang’an Temple, Bell Tower and Drum Tower (Figure 11), it is possible to discern the manner in which they have been layered over time. (1) The pattern of Fangcheng’s historical landscapes was established prior to and following 1631. The traditional Chinese concept of ‘camping the city’ provided the foundation for the basic architectural style, street layout, spatial texture and other key elements. (2) Between 1921 and 1966, the historical landscape suffered the most significant destruction as a result of social changes and other factors. This led to the partial breakdown of the original neighbourhood structure, with the integration of new landscapes into the emerging urban fabric. (3) Around 2000, with the gradual growth in conservation awareness, efforts began to restore and protect some of the nodes of the historical landscape.

The process of urbanisation in the Fangcheng neighbourhoods is influenced by a variety of factors, including social change, the urbanisation process itself, cultural integration, economic development and policy management. The social transformation of Fangcheng has resulted in significant alterations to the landscape, functionality and configuration of the area. These changes have frequently entailed destructive construction practices following a period of decline. Furthermore, the process of urbanisation has posed a considerable challenge to the preservation of the historic districts. The influx of population and the construction of infrastructure have led to the demolition of some historic buildings in the original districts, while the introduction of new commercial and service facilities has contributed to the alteration of the original historic landscapes. Shenyang, a significant urban centre in the northeast of China, has facilitated the integration of a diverse population, which has in turn led to changes in the physical landscape of Fangcheng. The convergence and intermingling of different cultural traditions have resulted in a multifaceted urban environment characterised by a rich tapestry of architectural styles and commercial activities. fourthly, as the commercial value of Fangcheng increases, unsustainable land development practices drive commercial investment and economic growth in the short term, but irreparable harm to the historic landscape is caused in the long term [31].

3.3. Generalisation of the Layer Deposition Model

By examining the process of the accumulation of Fangcheng’s historic districts, which can be delineated as follows: ‘the initial construction of the city wall–Shengjing Capital–integration and development–slow development–protection and renewal’, it is possible to identify a pattern of accumulation of historic landscapes. This can be summarised as follows: ‘newborn, maintenance, coverage, juxtaposition and decline’ (Figure 12).

(1) Maintenance Mode

The maintenance mode underscores the persistence and continuity of historical development, as evidenced by the fact that the majority of streets, buildings and landscapes in the neighbourhood have not undergone significant alterations. This is the foundation of the continued existence of the historical landscape of Fangcheng, which retains the fundamental spatial configuration of the well-planned streets and lanes, and the significant edifices and landscapes have not been substantially compromised, which essentially guarantees the authenticity and integrity of the historical landscape. Nevertheless, the maintenance mode is not a viable long-term solution for the sustainable development of the neighbourhood. While short-term maintenance may have minimal immediate consequences, long-term neglect will undoubtedly result in the deterioration of the historic landscape [7].

(2) Coverage Mode

In accordance with the non-linear nature of time, the reconstruction of the historic landscape is a reflection of this phenomenon. This implies the destruction of the historical landscape, whereby buildings, streets, alleys and the surrounding area are destroyed and replaced by new spatial scales and architectural styles. In other words, the old landscape is covered with a new landscape form. The processes of renovation, reconstruction and restructuring, among others, inevitably result in irreversible damage to the neighbourhood’s texture and historical lineage. To illustrate, the dismantling of the ancient city wall in 1956 disrupted the original spatial configuration. Between 1960 and 1980, the demolition of the original courtyard houses and the covering of the original layout with multi-storey rows and rows of residential communities had a significant impact on the historical landscape. Furthermore, the development and construction of large-scale commercial complexes and high-rise buildings before and after the year 2000 have also contributed to the alteration of the historical landscape [32].

(3) Juxtaposition Mode

It can be interpreted as a product of the intertwining of time, space and culture, emphasising the duality of time—both continuous and fractured. In urban environments, the conservation of historical edifices represents a tangible remembrance of a bygone era, whereas the emergence of contemporary structures may signify a certain degree of forgetting and a reinvention of the past. The contrast and fusion of the old and new landscapes can be seen as a material representation of the juxtaposition pattern. The juxtaposition of traditional Chinese, modern Western, fusion and modernist architectural landscapes in the Fangcheng Historical Quarter, which is both continuous and fractured, can be understood as a superposition of architectural styles and as a reflection of cultural identity [33].

(4) Recession Mode

The configuration of the landscape is not characterised by a linear progression; rather, it exhibits a cyclical pattern. In this process, certain layers may decline under certain circumstances, but they do not disappear entirely. The decline of these layers is primarily attributable to the impact of social change, whereby the rate of dereliction exceeds the rate of construction over an extended period of time, absent new construction, repair and population replenishment within the neighbourhood. The consequences of this process are evident in the deterioration of the urban landscape and the concomitant reduction in the vitality of the neighbourhood. For instance, following the overthrow of the Qing government in 1912, Fangcheng exhibited indications of a transient decline. However, the subsequent establishment of a governor’s residence by the Fenghuang warlords led to a gradual restoration of the city’s political, economic, commercial and cultural status [34].

It is evident that the four modes of accumulation of Fangcheng’s historic districts do not exist in isolation, but rather demonstrate a complex interweaving of the old and the new, organic growth and diversified integration. This interweaving is reflected not only in the architectural style and layout of the neighbourhood, but also in the lifestyle, cultural activities and social interaction of the residents. The cascading effect of the neighbourhood blurs the boundary between history and modernity, diversifying and intensifying the historical landscape. The organic growth of the neighbourhood also encourages it to adjust and renew itself in the course of development.

3.4. Anatomy of a Layer Regularity

3.4.1. Layering Regularity of Spatial Elements

(1) Anchored by Large Public Buildings

The Fangcheng Historic District, situated within the context of both space and time, represents the formation of the Shenyang Imperial Palace as the primary anchor point, with Zhang’s Shuaifu and Chang’an Temple serving as secondary anchor points (Figure 13). Each anchor point encompasses not only a significant concentration of large-scale public buildings and institutions, but also a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, social, artistic and other diversified values. The new city metabolism of the historic district is achieved through a gradual expansion in the form of radial layers and a gradual reduction of the layer effect, based on the dynamic evolution of the static space. Concurrently, the three anchor points are spatially triangular, thereby establishing a stable dynamic relationship [35,36].

(2) Using the Spatial Pattern as a Skeleton

The spatial pattern constitutes the fundamental skeleton of the landscape layer of the Fangcheng Historic District. It is based on a well-structured road network and the landscape axis of the Forbidden City, which together form a distinctive urban texture and landscape style through the spatial organisation. Furthermore, the spatial pattern enriches the spatial level and landscape sequence of the historic district. As a consequence of the adjustments and alterations to the spatial configuration, the transformation of the local historical landscape will disseminate and propagate in conjunction with the spatial configuration, thereby giving rise to novel landscape forms and styles. This approach not only preserves the integrity and continuity of the historic district, but also enhances its historic landscape, rendering it more diverse and rich [37].

(3) Landmark Buildings as Nodes

In the Fangcheng Historical Quarter, the City Tower and other notable edifices serve not only as visual focal points but also as the pinnacle of the landscape. These iconic structures are defined by a number of key characteristics, including recognition and spatial prominence, concentration awareness and symbolism, a unique architectural style and form, height and visual impact, aesthetic and artistic value, and social influence and cultural significance. The accumulation of layers may be accompanied by factors such as protection, destruction and reconstruction, which are reflected in changes to architectural style and the surrounding landscape. The spatial landscape zones associated with these changes tend to show a certain degree of coherence [38].

(4) Using the Relevance Element as a Substrate

The spatial and structural correlative elements of the Fangcheng Historic District encompass a range of features, including buildings and structures of cultural and historical significance, place landscapes and intangible elements such as community and folklore. As the foundation of the historical landscape layer, the manner in which they are conveyed continuously affects the spatial configuration, architectural style and landscape attributes of the historic district.

3.4.2. Layering Regularity of the Value Elements

The spatial stratification of the Fangcheng Historic District is subject to a process of constant preservation, renewal and elimination through organic growth. This ultimately results in the retention of buildings, streets and places of great value. Furthermore, the continuous aggregation of anchors, skeletons, nodes and substrates allows the elements of value to demonstrate the law of concentrated, diversified and adaptive stratification.

(1) The law of concentration is a concept in sociology that posits that social interactions and activities tend to gravitate towards specific locations or individuals. The value cascade of the Fangcheng Historical Neighbourhood is constituted by a heterogeneous ensemble of buildings, monuments, landscapes and cultural relics from different historical periods, which coexist in the same space. This accumulation of elements gives rise to a multifaceted value stack, encompassing history, culture, art and society, and constitutes a multicultural historical landscape. The tic-tac-toe road network serves as the carrier of this value cascade, with important large-scale public historical buildings distributed on both sides of the axis. The concentration of traditional folklore, social activities and community culture completes the cultural landscape of the neighbourhood [39].

(2) The law of plurality is a fundamental tenet of sociological theory. The value of the Fangcheng Historic District is also reflected in the law of plurality, which concerns the intermingling, dynamics and composability of value elements. The term ‘pluralism’ is used to describe the diversity of architectural styles, functional layouts and cultural activities present in the neighbourhood. However, it also encompasses the richness and complexity of the historical, cultural and social values carried by the area, as well as the overall value characteristics formed by the superposition of pluralism at different levels or dimensions. The Fangcheng Historic District is characterised by a constant state of flux, with the diversification of value elements giving rise to a dynamic evolution of the layers. This process results in the formation of a rich and complex multi-value system [40].

(3) The law of adaptation is a fundamental principle in the field of sociology. The value layer is characterised by a high degree of complexity, encompassing information from a multitude of temporal, spatial and cultural perspectives. This multifaceted nature endows the Fangcheng Historic District with a notable capacity for adaptation, enabling it to evolve in response to environmental shifts and to retain its value characteristics within a dynamic context. Concurrently, new edifices and urban districts are continually constructed upon the original spatial configuration, thereby creating a novel urban landscape. Conversely, the original spatial configuration is persistently preserved and restored in order to maintain its intrinsic value [41,42,43].

4. Discussion

4.1. Reconstruction and Recovery

In the reconstruction and restoration of certain historical landscapes within the Fangcheng district, it is of paramount importance to adhere to the principles of authenticity and integrity, thereby demonstrating respect for the original historical appearance. In the course of reconstruction and restoration, the original appearance of historical edifices, thoroughfares and locales should be preserved to the greatest extent feasible. Furthermore, the forms, hues and materials utilized in these endeavours should not be altered in an arbitrary manner. A comprehensive examination of historical documentation is essential to ascertain the original form of the historic districts, thereby ensuring that the reconstructed and restored landscape is consistent with the original historical appearance. In the reconstruction of damaged buildings, it is essential to extend consideration to a comprehensive range of factors, including cultural, historical, economic, social, political and other categories, in order to ensure a comprehensive and well-informed decision-making process [43].

The protection of historic landscapes entails a dual aspect, whereby the past and the present are held in balance. This encompasses the safeguarding of both transient and contemporaneous dimensions. In the case of ephemeral protection, it is essential to maintain the authenticity of architectural heritage, preserve the traces of history, showcase the charm of history and culture, and emphasise the integration of heritage protection and urban development. In the context of contemporary conservation, the focus is on cultural heritage. The objective is not merely to restore the material form, but also to provide a material medium for the inheritance of history and culture. This will ensure that the new landscape can become an important carrier for the inheritance of history and culture. Furthermore, the impact on the environment and sustainability must be considered. Therefore, environmentally friendly materials and sustainable construction techniques must be employed to ensure that the new landscape can coexist harmoniously with the surrounding environment [42].

4.2. Blending Old and New Landscapes

The integration of old and new landscapes is not merely a matter of superimposing new elements upon the historic districts. Rather, it is an organic integration of the new elements with the historic environment, based upon respect for history and cultural heritage. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cultural connotations inherent to the historic district, encompassing its spatial configuration, architectural style and historical evolution. This approach enables the identification of the optimal methodology for integrating the existing and proposed landscapes [44].

Through the processes of planning and design, new buildings and landscapes are actively guided to coordinate with the historical environment in terms of form, colour and material. It is essential to reinforce the design and construction of public spaces in order to provide a suitable foundation for the integration of old and new landscapes, as well as modern art and cultural elements. This will facilitate the formation of a harmonious blend of old and new landscapes [45].

It is essential to fully utilise the dynamism of the cultural elements intrinsic to the area, thereby facilitating the exchange and integration of the old and new cultures. The Fangcheng Historic District serves not only as a repository of tangible cultural heritage, but also as a venue for cultural exchange. By employing community culture and traditional folklore as a conduit, a flexible approach is taken to integrate the old and new landscapes, thereby enhancing the public’s sense of place and belonging.

4.3. Adaptive Conservation

The combination of absolute protection and organic renewal represents a synthesis of two seemingly disparate approaches to the conservation of cultural heritage. The anchors and skeletons of the layers of the Fangcheng Historical Quarter will be safeguarded through comprehensive protection measures, while the associated elements will undergo organic renewal. In order to respect the landscape characteristics of the historic district, it is essential to focus on maintaining the appearance and structure of the original buildings. This will entail retaining as much as possible the historical traces and unique style of the area. In addition, it will be necessary to carry out moderate renovation according to the needs and development trends of modern society. Finally, the pilot implementation of the renovation of the local core points will lead to the recovery of the block as a whole.

The proposed approach combines neighbourhood transformation and protection. Concurrently, the revitalisation of historical and cultural resources is pursued, alongside a gradual renewal strategy that incorporates functional adjustments based on conservation planning. Commercial and tourism industries are identified as the basis for the development of the neighbourhoods, with some existing functions being replaced and new business functions being introduced to align with the needs of modern development. Concurrently, it is imperative to prioritise the safeguarding of the historic district’s collective visual identity. This entails reinforcing environmental enhancement and infrastructure, emphasising the comprehensive protection of the built environment, spatial configuration and regional cultural elements, and introducing new value to the historic district through a flexible protection approach [26].

This approach combines planning intervention with public participation. It is essential to proactively devise comprehensive protection plans that directly or indirectly regulate and direct the renewal and construction activities within the neighbourhood. These plans should delineate the scope of renewable plots, control building heights, and provide guidance on architectural styles and colours. It is recommended that the historical style be restored and the quality of the neighbourhood be improved. Concurrently, novel forms of protection must be identified and innovative operational mechanisms established. It is imperative that the collective rights and interests of the public are safeguarded throughout the process of public participation. The government must assume a leading role, while also encouraging the private economy and residents to stimulate public enthusiasm for participation in a bottom-up mode.

5. Conclusions

This paper employs a multidimensional layer analysis method for historic districts, as proposed by the HUL, and establishes a research path from “element identification–process analysis–pattern induction–law analysis.” The system for identifying the elements of lamination is based on three key factors: the “built environment,” “spatial pattern,” and “regional cultural lineage.” The deconstruction method for laminar objects is then summarized by the overall and synergistic path of lamination. This includes the classification of co-temporal elements, the grading of carriers and the segmentation of the laminar process in the past. The application of a multidimensional layering method allows for the analysis of the process of layering in historic districts, the understanding of the characteristics of the historic landscape of historic districts, and the analysis of its laws and effects. The multidimensional layering method is not only an investigation and integration of the basic data of the urban historical landscape, but it is also of great importance for the understanding of the structure and evolution of the historical neighbourhoods, the excavation of the heritage value and the protection of the neighbourhood landscape.

The findings of this study indicate that the layered components of the Fangcheng Historic District have undergone five distinct phases of layered evolution. This pattern of layering can be summarized as follows: nascent, maintenance, coverage, juxtaposition and decline. The pattern of layering observed in the spatial elements is as follows: (1) the layering of the historic landscape with large public buildings as the anchor point; (2) the layering of the historic landscape with the spatial pattern as the skeleton; (3) the layering of the historic landscape with the iconic buildings as the nodes; and (4) the layering of the historic landscape with the correlative elements as the substrate. The layering law of value elements mainly reflects the law of concentration, diversity and adaptation.

In light of these considerations, the discourse on the reconstruction and restoration of the historic landscape of Fangcheng, the integration of old and new, and the adaptive conservation of historic neighbourhoods persists, with the objective of offering novel insights and guidance for the conservation of historic landscapes in historic neighbourhoods. In addition, the multidimensional layer analysis method for historic neighbourhoods developed in this study offers a theoretical framework for this study and preservation of historic neighbourhoods and historic landscapes. It represents an effective supplement to the theory and method of the HUL and provides a specific research method and practical tool for urban conservation.