New Era of Urban Regeneration: Theories and Approaches from Diverse Aspects

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2025) | Viewed by 5061

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Management Science and Engineering, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: urban regeneration; sustainable built environment; urban construction and management; land use planning; policy effect analysis
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Guest Editor
School of Management Science and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chognqing 400044, China
Interests: urban regeneration; transaction costs; decisoin-making; sustainabilities; social network
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Management College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Interests: urban redevelopment; urban economics; new institutional economics; developer obligations

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Guest Editor
Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Interests: urbanization and local governance; urban-rural relations; community planning and governance; property rights reform

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Guest Editor
Henley Business School, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK
Interests: urbanization and urban redevelopment; local governance and policy; urban and regional economics; behavioural economics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growth in the global urban population has gained unprecedented momentum and is considered one of the 21st century’s most impactful changes and many countries are continuously challenged to meet the rigid demand for high-quality urban housing. To address this growing demand, urban regeneration is becoming a critical approach to improving urban life quality. Today, urban regeneration is entering a new era characterized by a holistic and inclusive approach to revitalizing urban areas. This approach focuses on sustainability, social equity, public engagement, and the diverse aspects of citizens' well-being.

This Special Issue delves into the multifaceted explorations of a new era of urban regeneration in different contexts. Through diverse lenses, from architectural revitalization to community-driven initiatives, the articles within illuminate the intricate tapestry of urban life. Contributors dissect the complexities of urban living, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of regeneration efforts, and shedding light on the quest for equitable and sustainable urban environments. Themes of inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental stewardship permeate the discourse, offering insights into fostering vibrant, resilient communities. From innovative policy frameworks to grassroots activism, this collection navigates the evolving landscape of urban regeneration, envisioning cities as dynamic spaces for growth, equity, and well-being. With a keen eye on the future, the scholarship presented here serves as a compass for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens alike, charting a course toward healthier, more just, and safer urban futures.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome and research areas may include, but are not limited to:

  • Rethinking the theories and essencce of urban regeneration;
  • New approaches to urban regeneration;
  • Sustainable and inclusive urban environment;
  • Urban revival of urban vitality;
  • Urban health, justice, and safety;
  • Collaborative local governance and public engagement.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Hao Wang
Dr. Taozhi Zhuang
Dr. Yang Chen
Dr. Siu Wai Wong
Dr. Ziyou Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • urban regeneration
  • new era
  • regeneration approach
  • revival
  • sustainability
  • inclusiveness
  • public engagement
  • urban health

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1387 KiB  
Article
Deciphering the Risk of Area-Wide Coordinated Urban Regeneration in Chinese Small Cities from the Project Portfolio Perspective: A Case Study of Yancheng
by Yizhong Chen, Fuyi Yao and Taozhi Zhuang
Buildings 2025, 15(6), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060983 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 161
Abstract
Area-wide coordinated urban regeneration is a strategic approach to upgrading urban functions, enhancing the allocation efficiency of land resources, and enhancing the overall urban environment from a project portfolio perspective. However, implementing area-wide coordinated urban regeneration faces significant challenges, including project delays, terminations, [...] Read more.
Area-wide coordinated urban regeneration is a strategic approach to upgrading urban functions, enhancing the allocation efficiency of land resources, and enhancing the overall urban environment from a project portfolio perspective. However, implementing area-wide coordinated urban regeneration faces significant challenges, including project delays, terminations, and difficulties in achieving investment returns. These challenges are particularly acute in smaller Chinese cities. While most previous research has paid attention to large Chinese cities, they usually neglect the risks associated with urban regeneration from an area-wide project portfolio perspective. To address this gap, this research develops a comprehensive list of risk indicators for area-side coordinated urban regeneration based on project portfolio management theory. Stakeholder opinions on the likelihood and impact of these risk indicators were collected by a questionnaire survey. A risk evaluation method, integrating the C-OWA operator and grey cluster analysis, was proposed to assess these risks. Risk management and control strategies were then proposed based on different risk levels. A case study of the coordinated urban regeneration of Yancheng’s Chaoyang area was conducted to evaluate comprehensive risk levels and provide tailored recommendations for risk control. This study offers practical guidance for urban planners and policymakers to improve decision-making in small cities and contributes new insights into risk management in the field of urban development. Full article
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17 pages, 2215 KiB  
Article
Resilience Regeneration Priorities for Old Blocks Based on Public Satisfaction: A Case Study of Beijing, China
by Wenlong Li, Qin Li, Lixin Jia, Dongchen Hou, Sunmeng Wang and Yijun Liu
Buildings 2025, 15(4), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040536 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 545
Abstract
In the process of urban development, old blocks face issues such as long construction times, outdated buildings and facilities, and poor environmental quality, which do not meet the current requirements for the construction and development of resilient cities. Resilience regeneration of old blocks [...] Read more.
In the process of urban development, old blocks face issues such as long construction times, outdated buildings and facilities, and poor environmental quality, which do not meet the current requirements for the construction and development of resilient cities. Resilience regeneration of old blocks is an important measure to improve public satisfaction and an important way to achieve high-quality and sustainable development of old blocks. Therefore, the priority of resilience regeneration is an important research issue that deserves attention. This study combines the three-factor theory with the asymmetric impact–performance analysis (AIPA) to explore the asymmetric impact relationship between resilience regeneration attributes and public satisfaction, in order to determine the priority order of resilience regeneration of old blocks to improve public satisfaction. Firstly, the main attributes affecting the resilience regeneration of old blocks were summarized and sorted into five dimensions. Secondly, representative old blocks in Beijing were selected, and relevant data were collected through questionnaire surveys, followed by data organization and analysis, to gain a deep understanding of the key issues of resilience regeneration elements in old blocks. Finally, the asymmetric impact–performance analysis was employed to explore and quantify the asymmetric impact relationship between resilience regeneration factors and public satisfaction. The results show that the resilience regeneration attributes can be divided into three categories: spatial texture as a basic factor, environment and emotional experience as excitement factors, and infrastructure and operation and maintenance management as performance factors. This study provides a scientific basis for determining the priority order of resilience regeneration of old blocks and offers a reference for managers to develop targeted resilience regeneration strategies, which is conducive to further improving public satisfaction and promoting the revitalization of old blocks. Full article
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27 pages, 15338 KiB  
Article
Post-Occupation Evaluation of Industrial Heritage Transformation into a Mixed-Mode Park Within the Context of Urban Renewal: A Case Study of Hebei, China
by Xiaowei Chen, Yijing Chen and Yuchen Liu
Buildings 2025, 15(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020295 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
In recent years, the in-depth implementation of China’s “shifting from secondary industries to tertiary industries” policy, coupled with the accelerating pace of urban renewal, has positioned the transformation and reuse of industrial heritage as a pivotal approach to enhancing urban spatial quality and [...] Read more.
In recent years, the in-depth implementation of China’s “shifting from secondary industries to tertiary industries” policy, coupled with the accelerating pace of urban renewal, has positioned the transformation and reuse of industrial heritage as a pivotal approach to enhancing urban spatial quality and fostering cultural continuity. This paper focuses on three mixed-mode industrial heritage transformation parks in Hebei Province: Dahua, Miansan, and Shimeiji. Based on existing research and practical circumstances, an evaluation system encompassing six dimensions and 18 indicators is established. On this basis, a questionnaire survey was conducted, including two parts: a satisfaction questionnaire and a Kano model questionnaire. According to the obtained data, the use of the park after completion was evaluated and the existing problems of the mixed-mode industrial heritage renovation park were summarized comprehensively. The research finds out the shortcomings of the commonalities and differences of mixed-mode industrial heritage parks, finally putting forward optimization suggestions for the problems, in order to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for the renovation projects of the same type of industrial heritage in the urban renewal stage. Full article
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41 pages, 46256 KiB  
Article
Renewal Design of Art University Campuses Using Urban Image Theory: A Case Study on the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA)
by Tianjia Wang, Yile Chen, Yuhao Huang, Liang Zheng and Chenxi Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3964; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123964 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1331
Abstract
Since its inception, the theory of urban image cognition has become one of the most important theoretical frameworks in the field of urban planning and design. It emphasizes people’s subjective perception and cognition of the urban environment, and states that the city is [...] Read more.
Since its inception, the theory of urban image cognition has become one of the most important theoretical frameworks in the field of urban planning and design. It emphasizes people’s subjective perception and cognition of the urban environment, and states that the city is not only a collection of material space but also a place with a specific meaning and image in people’s minds. This study explored the history and current situation of the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA) campus and analyzed six aspects based on urban image theory: road imagery characteristics, boundary imagery characteristics, node imagery characteristics, the imagery characteristics of landmarks, the imagery characteristics of buildings, and the imagery characteristics of regions. We then summarized its existing spatial layout, architectural features, and cultural elements. The researchers employed three methodologies—the investigation of historical archives, the field survey method, and a technique that combines cognitive mapping with questionnaire surveys—to assess the strengths and shortcomings of existing campuses regarding the urban image theory. These findings resulted in the concept for an extensive renewal design plan that integrates the cognitive principles of urban imagery. The strategies included the following: (1) optimizing the spatial structure to enhance the connectivity and visibility of the campus; (2) renovating and upgrading existing buildings to reflect the artistic characteristics of the HIFA; and (3) designing unique landscapes and public spaces to create a rich and vibrant campus atmosphere. At the same time, researchers and design teams carried out design practice projects for four sub-projects on the HIFA campus: Aesthetic Education Avenue, Long Scroll by the Lake, Nine-Curved Corridor Bridge, and Open Campus–Urban Life Plaza. Through a case study of the HIFA, this research aims to provide a valuable reference for the campus renewal of other art universities, and to promote the application and innovation of urban image theory in the field of campus planning and design. It ultimately emphasizes the importance of creating a campus environment that not only meets the functional needs of education and research, but also enriches urban cultural imagery and enhances the sense of identity and belonging in the campus community. Full article
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23 pages, 8429 KiB  
Article
Spatial Vitality Detection and Evaluation in Zhengzhou’s Main Urban Area
by Yipeng Ge, Qizheng Gan, Yueshan Ma, Yafei Guo, Shubo Chen and Yitong Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3648; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113648 - 16 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1042
Abstract
Urban vitality is a concept that reflects dynamic changes in economic, social, and cultural aspects, emphasizing the importance of diversified land use and dense population. With technological advancements, research methods on urban vitality are increasingly diverse, particularly with the application of big data [...] Read more.
Urban vitality is a concept that reflects dynamic changes in economic, social, and cultural aspects, emphasizing the importance of diversified land use and dense population. With technological advancements, research methods on urban vitality are increasingly diverse, particularly with the application of big data and geographic information systems providing new perspectives and tools for such studies. Currently, research on the vitality of inland Central Plains cities in China is relatively limited and largely confined to specific administrative areas, leading to an inadequate understanding of basic economic activities and population distribution within cities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of urban vitality and its influencing factors in Zhengzhou’s main urban area, providing a scientific basis for urban planning and sustainable development. This study utilizes methods that include Densi graph curve analysis, the entropy method, and the multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model, integrating statistical data, geographic information, and remote sensing imagery of Zhengzhou in 2023. The MGWR model analysis reveals: (1) Urban vitality in Zhengzhou’s main urban area exhibits a concentric pattern, with high vitality at the center gradually decreasing toward the periphery, showing significant spatial differences in economic, population, and cultural vitality. (2) Various influencing factors positively correlate with urban vitality in the main urban area, but due to shortcomings in urban development strategies and planning, some factors negatively impact vitality in the central area while positively affecting vitality in peripheral areas. Based on these findings, this study provides relevant evidence and theoretical support for urban planning and sustainable development in Zhengzhou, aiding in the formulation of more effective urban development strategies. Full article
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