Public Value in Historic Environment Regeneration in China: A Public Perception Perspective on Spatial Form, Urban Governance, and People’s Experience (2000–2020)

Ruijie Zhang, Miquel Martí Casanovas, Montserrat Bosch González and Sijie Sun ()
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Ruijie Zhang: Department of Architectural, Building Construction and Urbanism Technology, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura de Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Miquel Martí Casanovas: Department of Urbanism, Territory and Landscape, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura de Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Montserrat Bosch González: Department of Architectural Technology, Escola Politècnica Superior d’Edificació de Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Sijie Sun: Department of Philosophy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: This study, grounded in the theory of public value, explores how spatial form, urban governance, and people’s experiences influence the realization of public value in the regeneration of historic environments (HER) in China. Addressing the current dilemma faced by historic districts between “destructive construction” and “frozen preservation”, this research proposes that integrating public value into the HER process is crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. This study reviews key theories of public value and critically evaluates their application in historic environment regeneration. From a public perception perspective, this study constructs a hexagon public value model encompassing intrinsic, instrumental, and institutional values, analyzed through the dimensions of spatial form, urban governance, and people’s experiences. Through an empirical analysis of five case studies in China (Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley, Shanghai Tianzifang Alley, Guangzhou Enning Road, Beijing Nanluogu Alley, and Taiyuan Zhonglou Street), this research employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the interactions between these factors. The results reveal that spatial form has a significant positive impact on intrinsic value, while urban governance and people’s experiences have significant positive impacts on intrinsic, instrumental, and institutional values. The methodology combines bottom-up (based on grounded theory analysis of online user reviews) and top-down (literature review) approaches, ensuring the authenticity and theoretical depth of the questionnaire. The findings offer in-depth understanding and practical guidance for future HER work, contributing to bridging the knowledge gap in this field and providing a reference for urban managers and planners to balance preservation, development, and public interests in historic environment regeneration.

Keywords: public value; heritage; spatial form; urban governance; people’s experience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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