Regeneration of Historic Cities: Reflections of its Evolution Towards a Landscape Approach (original) (raw)

The practice of regeneration of historical cities has evolved over time and now involves a range of approaches and methods to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. Historically, the focus was on physical restoration, but this has neglected the social and economic needs of the inhabitants. Urban renewal programs in the mid-20th century aimed to address these needs but often resulted in the demolition of historic buildings. The lack of community involvement and consideration for cultural significance has led to a criticism of these programs. In the 1970s, a new approach emerged, emphasizing community involvement and participatory planning. This approach recognized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and managing tourism and cultural resources effectively. Today, the regeneration of historical cities involves a range of approaches, including adaptive reuse of historic buildings, sustainable tourism development, and community-led initiatives. Landscape architecture has become a critical component of historical city regeneration, with public spaces, green infrastructure, and sustainable urban design strategies. Community involvement and participatory planning are also crucial in implementing these strategies. This paper examines the historical evolution of strategies to regenerate historical cities. The research adopts a qualitative approach, focusing on indepth analysis, critical reflection, and synthesis of existing literature. It explores the evolution towards a landscape approach in regenerating historic cities. The data is analyzed through thematic analysis, identifying recurring themes, patterns, and critical findings. The analysis focuses on understanding the evolution of the landscape approach, identifying regenerating opportunities, and lessons learned from the case studies. The paper concludes that the evolution of historical city regeneration reflects a growing recognition of balancing economic development with preserving cultural heritage and the need for community involvement and participatory planning in the regeneration process.