Liu, Mingqian (2021-04). Public Perceptions of Preservation Policies and Practices in Historic Residential Neighborhood: A Case of Dongsi, Beijing, China. Doctoral Dissertation.
Thesis
This project is an interdisciplinary, qualitative study of historic preservation policies and practices in an 800-year-old hutong and courtyard house neighborhood that is designated as a historical and cultural conservation area in the inner city of Beijing. Utilizing the people-centered approach in heritage conservation, this project joins the ongoing international conversation and efforts to expand the scope, relevance, and significance of historic preservation as a field, by bringing intangible aspects, such as living heritage traditions and practices, into the discussion. Interviews and analysis of policy background are used to access the long-term residents' perceptions of preservation policies and practices in the context of their lived experience and their relationship with other neighborhood stakeholders. Topics of discussion include neighborhood values, conservation issues related to life quality concerns in the neighborhood, as well as involvement and engagement initiatives led by the government and their effectiveness. The goal of this project is to use a local case study to examine how preservation can benefit people's wellbeing in general, in addition to protecting the built environment of a historic neighborhood. This project situates global conservation issues into the framework of social and urban development in contemporary China, and provides recommendations for more effective community engagement strategies for future policy makers and professionals.
