Decoding Socio-Cultural Spatial Patterns in Historic Chinese Neighborhoods: A Pattern Language Approach from Chengdu

Yaozhong Zhang () and Branka Dimitrijevic
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Yaozhong Zhang: Department of Architecture, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Branka Dimitrijevic: Department of Architecture, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-40

Abstract: As cities densify and lifestyles become increasingly individualized, older adults face heightened risks of isolation and reduced wellbeing. Yet in historic Chinese neighborhoods, everyday socio-cultural practices—square dancing, Mahjong, community gardening and street markets—continue to foster social cohesion and spatial familiarity. This study employs Christopher Alexander’s pattern-language framework to examine how these practices are spatially embedded across six traditional neighborhoods in Chengdu. Drawing on systematic field observation, photographic surveys and typological mapping, it identifies recurring spatial configurations that support older adults’ participation and cultural continuity. While many canonical patterns remain relevant, the analysis shows how several require contextual reinterpretation to reflect Chinese collectivism, threshold sociability and informal public-space use. Synthesizing these insights, the paper develops a pattern-based design toolkit for culturally sensitive urban regeneration, contributing to age-friendly planning grounded in lived spatial practices. Although centered on six historic neighborhoods in Chengdu, the findings are intended primarily for Chinese heritage-led regeneration and—where comparable high-density morphologies, edge conditions and management regimes exist—are cautiously transferable to heritage districts elsewhere.

Keywords: pattern language; socio-cultural activities; ageing-friendly urban space; traditional Chinese neighborhoods; cultural heritage (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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