Exploration of the Renovation of Old Residential Districts in Historic Urban Areas of Guangzhou under the Concept of Complete Community

Abstract

Currently, the renovation of old residential districts is a pivotal initiative in China to improve the quality of people’s lives and stimulate economic growth. Based on Wu Liangyong’s concept of Complete Community, this study explored methods to reconstruct old residential districts in historic urban areas of Guangzhou into “complete communities” in order to meet the increasing demands of residents and the requirements of refined community management. This study aimed to provide a new model for the renovation of old residential districts that can be easily promoted and applied in other areas. Firstly, two renovation principles for old residential districts in historic urban areas were proposed: 1) to formulate renovation schemes according to local practical situations by respecting differences among different types of old residential districts; 2) to preserve and inherit residential cultural characteristics of local regions with respect to historical relics and the cultural network of old residential districts. Additionally, corresponding renovation strategies concerning the facilities, spaces, and governance of old residential districts were proposed. With respect to facility renovation, key attention was paid to the marketization of public services, and it was suggested that community social enterprises be built to supplement the public services of old residential districts. It was recommended that community culture be highlighted and community images be built by guiding upgrades of cultural and business facilities. Secondly, attention was paid to the protection of cultural context and texture in public space renovation, with vitality added to public spaces in communities using catalytic elements. Thirdly, regarding the governance of old residential districts, it was proposed to encourage different subjects to participate in community renovation, increase channels for residents to access information about its progress and ways to participate, and promote public participation throughout the renovation period. It was also suggested that social groups be formed to act as a third party, independent from community stakeholders, to balance the interests of multiple parties and guarantee the implementation of the renovation process. Attention should be paid to cultural development in the community, thereby fostering residents’sense of community belonging. Fourthly, the renovation modes of old residential districts were analyzed according to the positions of different subjects in the renovation process, such as the government, enterprises, residents, different aspects of society, etc. To ensure the effective implementation of the renovation schemes, old residential districts in historic urban areas should adopt a renovation mode involving the collaborative participation of multiple subjects. Finally, an evaluation index system for the renovation of old residential districts was established, which included two construction dimensions: Material space (hardware) and community governance & service (software), five level-2 factors, and 16 level-3 factors. A case study based on communities in the Old Nanhai County Community in Liurong Subdistrict was carried out to analyze renovation conditions, and some optimization suggestions were proposed. The research results provide some points of reference for the renovation of old residential districts in historic urban areas.