A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Authenticity as a challenge in the transformation of Beijing's urban heritage: The commercial gentrification of the Guozijian historic area
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1109-6602
Abstract The transformation of Beijing's historic center is in need of an evaluation from the standpoint of authenticity, a concept increasingly used and constantly redefined. Beginning with a heritage-based definition of authenticity, this article will present a review of the urban intervention policies that have been implemented in Beijing's inner city hutongs since the Revolution in 1949, evaluating their effect on the capital's preservation. Then, the paper will continue describing how current urban redevelopment is assuming contemporary definitions of urban authenticity emanating from the creative city paradigm and the tourism industry, leaving a lasting effect on its vernacular heritage. Taking the historical area of Guozijian as a case study, this article will evaluate the integration of contemporary commercial architecture into this historic setting. This evaluation will highlight how flawed conceptions of authenticity have brought about an ongoing gentrification process that is displacing a large share of the population, a fundamental component of urban heritage authenticity.
Highlights Authenticity is a major issue for the conservation of urban heritage that is being interpreted with commodification purposes. Contemporary definitions of urban heritage authenticity include the participation and defense of rights of the community. Commercial gentrification poses a challenge to established definitions of authenticity in the heritage realm, specifically the right to the city of the original population. Tolerance from local authorities legitimates the loss of authenticity in heritage renovations for commercial purposes, contradicting international recommendations and state policy directives. New definitions of authenticity coming from tourism and real estate interests imply the loss of the original urban fabric of Beijing.
Authenticity as a challenge in the transformation of Beijing's urban heritage: The commercial gentrification of the Guozijian historic area
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1109-6602
Abstract The transformation of Beijing's historic center is in need of an evaluation from the standpoint of authenticity, a concept increasingly used and constantly redefined. Beginning with a heritage-based definition of authenticity, this article will present a review of the urban intervention policies that have been implemented in Beijing's inner city hutongs since the Revolution in 1949, evaluating their effect on the capital's preservation. Then, the paper will continue describing how current urban redevelopment is assuming contemporary definitions of urban authenticity emanating from the creative city paradigm and the tourism industry, leaving a lasting effect on its vernacular heritage. Taking the historical area of Guozijian as a case study, this article will evaluate the integration of contemporary commercial architecture into this historic setting. This evaluation will highlight how flawed conceptions of authenticity have brought about an ongoing gentrification process that is displacing a large share of the population, a fundamental component of urban heritage authenticity.
Highlights Authenticity is a major issue for the conservation of urban heritage that is being interpreted with commodification purposes. Contemporary definitions of urban heritage authenticity include the participation and defense of rights of the community. Commercial gentrification poses a challenge to established definitions of authenticity in the heritage realm, specifically the right to the city of the original population. Tolerance from local authorities legitimates the loss of authenticity in heritage renovations for commercial purposes, contradicting international recommendations and state policy directives. New definitions of authenticity coming from tourism and real estate interests imply the loss of the original urban fabric of Beijing.
Authenticity as a challenge in the transformation of Beijing's urban heritage: The commercial gentrification of the Guozijian historic area
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1109-6602
Abstract The transformation of Beijing's historic center is in need of an evaluation from the standpoint of authenticity, a concept increasingly used and constantly redefined. Beginning with a heritage-based definition of authenticity, this article will present a review of the urban intervention policies that have been implemented in Beijing's inner city hutongs since the Revolution in 1949, evaluating their effect on the capital's preservation. Then, the paper will continue describing how current urban redevelopment is assuming contemporary definitions of urban authenticity emanating from the creative city paradigm and the tourism industry, leaving a lasting effect on its vernacular heritage. Taking the historical area of Guozijian as a case study, this article will evaluate the integration of contemporary commercial architecture into this historic setting. This evaluation will highlight how flawed conceptions of authenticity have brought about an ongoing gentrification process that is displacing a large share of the population, a fundamental component of urban heritage authenticity.
Highlights Authenticity is a major issue for the conservation of urban heritage that is being interpreted with commodification purposes. Contemporary definitions of urban heritage authenticity include the participation and defense of rights of the community. Commercial gentrification poses a challenge to established definitions of authenticity in the heritage realm, specifically the right to the city of the original population. Tolerance from local authorities legitimates the loss of authenticity in heritage renovations for commercial purposes, contradicting international recommendations and state policy directives. New definitions of authenticity coming from tourism and real estate interests imply the loss of the original urban fabric of Beijing.
Authenticity as a challenge in the transformation of Beijing's urban heritage: The commercial gentrification of the Guozijian historic area
González Martínez, Plácido (author)
Cities ; 59 ; 48-56
2016-05-30
9 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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