Research on improvement methodologies for living environments in city built-up areas in China-A case study about three different living environments in Hangzhou

摘要

This paper will explain the diverse regeneration processes of living environments found during a three-year-research conducted in Hangzhou city center, Zhejiang, China.The work methodology is based on interviews with local community and spatial analysis.Three target areas were analyzed:Inside WangJiang district, the so-called "Urban Village", the area around the central station, which is characterized by complex housing rights and the demand for cheap housing.In HuBin district, the commercial quarters of the inner city, which are located close to West Lake cultural heritage zone.This area is noted for the coexistence of touristic pressure and living environments.In ZiYang district the historical areas with abundant attractions for tourists (such as traditional markets, emperor's tomb, etc.) were chosen.In this area the connection and detachment between local lifestyles and the remaining old living environments was studied,revealing that complicated property rights prevent local communities from carrying out an adequate regeneration.Through this research three ways of regeneration, one for each area, were proposed.In WangJiang area: farmland reproduction and affordable housing supply for migrant workers.In HuBin area: securing autonomy living environments and eluding tourism pressure.In ZiYang area: reinforcement of welfare system and effective use of tourism resources.