| Author: | Luo, Jiemei |
| Title: | Image over substance : the social cohesion in culture-led urban regeneration of Shanghai |
| Advisors: | Chan, H. W. Edwin (BRE) Yung, H. K. Esther (BRE) |
| Degree: | Ph.D. |
| Year: | 2024 |
| Subject: | Urban renewal -- Social aspects City planning -- China -- Shanghai Community power Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of Building and Real Estate |
| Pages: | 253 pages : color illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This study aims to examine social cohesion (SC) as part of the social impact, on local neighbourhoods under culture-led urban regeneration (CUR) in Shanghai, China. Special attention is given to the regeneration regime that involved social organizations in heritage reuse and urban design to understand how diverse social groups were integrated or excluded. Two Conservation Areas in Shanghai, Yuyuan and Xinhua, both well-known cultural neighbourhoods were selected as case studies. The study explores CUR's influences on SC by exploring the tensions between image and substance, and identify key factors that contribute to SC. To understand the SC in CUR, this thesis investigated how SC performed in CUR at the neighbourhood level and how urban regeneration regime is formed and worked in CUR. Both quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques were adopted, including questionnaire survey, observations and interviews methods and the use of One-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis techniques to analyse questionnaire data; secondary data covering the period of 2018 to 2023 were also analysed. Specifically, the thesis integrates the concept of aesthetics and liminality into an analytical framework of urban entrepreneurialism to explore how CUR contribute to SC in cultural neighbourhoods. The study demonstrates the CUR regime as formed by local state, private interest, and social organizations. The CUR is an integration of heritage reuse, cultural-creative industry development, and old neighbourhood regeneration. A neighbourly and social cohesive image is successfully (re)constructed by regeneration regime as perceived by the public. The amenities and shops, and daily activities are the key factors forming a neighbourly image of a neighbourhood. Open spaces' cultural expressions, spatial features, and management is vital for achieving SC. The micro-regeneration approach and active social organizations contribute to the neighbourly image and enhance collective place attachment and identity. However, a difference between the neighbourly image and social cohesive substance remains. The CUR in Shanghai, featuring an integration of heritage reuse and micro-regeneration, has been exemplified as a new state entrepreneurialism strategy in China, which justified and enhanced the state power. The CUR regime work as aesthetic regime simultaneously that transform and manipulate the aesthetic meaning of old neighbourhoods from deterioration (negative) to neighbourliness (attractive). Private and social sectors were employed by the state as neighbourhood branding tools. The social contribution of cultural neighbourhood regeneration, such as activating social interactions and community empowerment, is limited and fleeting. An extending commodification of neighbourhood spaces with commercial gentrification is observed that may threaten the long-term sustainability of local neighbourhoods. More attentions to wider social groups and caring for vulnerable groups, such as elderlies and lower-working class, is necessary. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | open access |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14578