Landscape, Architecture and Environmental Regeneration: A Research by Design Approach for Inclusive Tourism in a Rural Village in China

Tiziano Cattaneo, Emanuele Giorgi and Minqing Ni
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Tiziano Cattaneo: Environmental Futures Lab., College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, n. 281 Fuxin Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200092, China
Emanuele Giorgi: China Lab. for Architecture and Urban Studies, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 1 - 27100 Pavia, Italy
Minqing Ni: Environmental Futures Lab., College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, n. 281 Fuxin Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200092, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-27

Abstract: This paper presents project-based research focusing on regeneration for sustainable tourism in a rural village in China, namely Dongjingyu Village, Yuyang Township, Ji County. The research by design approach was applied, introducing to the Chinese context the concept of landscape services, with a particular focus on tradition and the evolution of historical landscape element (HLE) categories and types, whose value is determined by a qualifying relationship between human beings and the environment. The aim was to regenerate and transform the village for uses that are suitable to contemporary ways of coexistence between villagers and the growing tourism industry. Although there are partial limitations to the application of participatory methodologies in the Chinese context, the authors opted for a methodological approach based on research by design in order to foster dialogue and create awareness for both government authorities and citizens regarding potential design solutions, which were determined based on landscape patterns and not only land use. Two outcomes were achieved: (1) the research working package might lead to experimental actions, including changes to land-use models, administration capabilities and considerations of feasibility; and (2) the entire work package can be applied to and implemented in other rural villages in China. Moving beyond environmental scenarios, the outcomes provide evidence that participation and social inclusion might have a deeper and more positive impact on rural village regeneration.

Keywords: rural–urban; landscape and architectural design; sustainable tourism; inclusive tourism; landscape patterns; historical landscape elements; rural China (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 (5)

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