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

Rie Nomura, Siyuan Shan and Suguru Mori
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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

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 10, 1-17

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.

Keywords: spatial structure; traditional house; tourism development; China; living environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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