（中文）建筑遗产的批判性保护与再生

Teacher

Zheng Jing

First day of classes

2026.7.6

Last day of classes

2026.7.9

Course Credit

1

Course Description

Course Introduction

This course aims to guide undergraduate students in deeply understanding the core value of architectural heritage as a carrier of local culture, and to explore its protection and regeneration strategies in contemporary society. The course centers on critical thinking and, in combination with emerging technologies, explores the diverse paths of architectural heritage in cultural continuity, community activation, and cross-cultural narratives, helping to tell the story of heritage in China and within the context of the "Belt and Road Initiative."

Starting with the cultural value of architectural heritage, the course analyzes its significance as a historical memory and a local spiritual anchor, while reflecting on the limitations of traditional preservation theories. It introduces a critical preservation perspective, and through case studies such as historical neighborhoods in Asia and industrial heritage sites, it explores the contradictions between preservation and development. The course will also cover the applications of digital and artificial intelligence technologies, various regeneration strategies, and related case studies, emphasizing the balance between community participation and economic sustainability. On this basis, the course returns to the cultural narrative function of heritage, exploring how to reshape local character, restore historical memory, and give architectural heritage contemporary significance in a cross-cultural context.

Objective

The objective of this course is to cultivate students' critical understanding of architectural heritage as a vital expression of local culture and identity, while equipping them with the theoretical frameworks and practical tools necessary for its preservation and adaptive reuse in contemporary contexts. Through interdisciplinary inquiry and cross-cultural perspectives, the course aims to foster analytical skills, cultural sensitivity, and creative thinking in addressing the complex challenges of heritage conservation. By integrating case studies, emerging technologies, and community-centered approaches, students will be encouraged to explore innovative, sustainable, and contextually relevant strategies for heritage regeneration, with a particular focus on Asian cities and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Assignments (essay or other forms)

Students are required to submit an essay that reflects on the course content in relation to their own experiences and academic background. The essay should provide thoughtful feedback on the themes discussed in the course and include personal reflections.

Text Books and Reading Materials

Choay, Françoise.The Invention of the Historic Monument. Cambridge University Press, 2001.

Jokilehto, Jukka. A History of Architectural Conservation. Routledge, 2017.