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Analyzing Spatial Structure of Traditional Houses in Old Towns with Tourism Development and Its Transformation toward Sustainable Development of Residential Environments in Hexia Old Town, in China

Author

Listed:
  • Rie Nomura

    (Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Siyuan Shan

    (Shanghai Urban Construction Design & Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200125, China)

  • Suguru Mori

    (Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

Abstract

This study elucidates the spatial structure of traditional houses, and its transformation toward sustainable development of residential environments in old towns that are currently the focus of tourism development initiatives. Hexia old town in Huai’an District, China, was chosen for this study involving a field survey, questionnaire survey, and interviews. Data analysis identified three periods of residential transformation and three patterns of the residential transformation process. In all cases, there was low awareness of building conservation measures and lack of tourism development by the government, which has translated into ongoing residential transformations according to the demands of daily life. However, in the interests of tourism development, some businesses have started making use of vacant residences and traditional homes, and the relative proximity to work and home imply sustainability of residents’ lifestyles under these conditions. An improvement plan for an old town requires a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding residential modifications executed by residents, the problems faced in the living environment, as well as efforts to increase the residents’ awareness of the issue of sustainable living in that old town.

Suggested Citation

  • Rie Nomura & Siyuan Shan & Suguru Mori, 2018. "Analyzing Spatial Structure of Traditional Houses in Old Towns with Tourism Development and Its Transformation toward Sustainable Development of Residential Environments in Hexia Old Town, in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:10:p:3809-:d:177275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Pablo Altaba & Juan A. García-Esparza, 2021. "A Practical Vision of Heritage Tourism in Low-Population-Density Areas. The Spanish Mediterranean as a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-15, May.
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    4. Shuyi Xie, 2019. "Learning from Italian Typology- and Morphology-Led Planning Techniques: A Planning Framework for Yingping, Xiamen," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-29, March.

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