Exploring the Feasibility and Opportunities for Implementing 'Temporary Use'
Strategies in Changchun City, Jilin Province
WU Jiayi (A0298779U)
Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore
AC5007: Dissertation
Professor Dr. Chen Yu
23th April, 2025
In summary, this study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and potential value of introducing temporary uses to Changchun as an effective strategy for preserving historic buildings and promoting urban renewal. The study emphasises the need to fully understand Changchun's urban characteristics, draw on international experience, and develop a thorough implementation strategy to ensure the sustainability of temporary use and to inject new vitality into Changchun's urban development and heritage conservation.
valuable insights into the practical operations and potential challenges of temporary use.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all individuals and organizations that selflessly supported me throughout the research process!
Abstract
This study explores the feasibility and opportunities of introducing ‘temporary use’ strategies in Changchun City, Jilin Province. Temporary use refers to the planned use of unused or under-utilised spaces in the city, such as abandoned and decaying buildings, with the aim of promoting community participation, stimulating economic activity and revitalising the city through their temporary nature. This paper is particularly concerned with spaces with heritage value.
In the face of increasing vacancy rates in urbanisation, historic buildings are particularly vulnerable to continued deterioration and even future threats. Temporary use is recognised as an effective solution to the challenge of vacant buildings, not only mitigating the risks associated with vacancy, but also stimulating community vitality by transforming vacant spaces in urban landscapes into valuable public assets. This approach allows historic buildings to be reassessed and adapted to new uses, encouraging innovation while preventing the negative consequences of long-term abandonment.
This research analyses how the lessons learned from the UK's approach to ‘temporary use’ as a conservation tool for historic buildings can be applied to Changchun. The study examines UK cases such as the Hidden Door Festival and the Camden Collective to understand the impacts, advantages and disadvantages of temporary use on the built environment.
In response to Changchun, the study investigates Changchun's historic districts and the many types of vacant spaces that can support temporary projects. The research also explores potential temporary use projects and spaces. The paper reviews the findings, suggests possibilities and gives recommendations for implementing temporary uses in Changchun.
In summary, this study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and potential value of introducing temporary uses to Changchun as an effective strategy for preserving historic buildings and promoting urban renewal. The study emphasises the need to fully understand Changchun's urban characteristics, draw on international experience, and develop a thorough implementation strategy to ensure the sustainability of temporary use and to inject new vitality into Changchun's urban development and heritage conservation.
Another wave of squatters emerged in the mid-20th century, stemming from the housing crisis of the late 1960s and continuing into the 1970s (Wealden District Council, 2018). Temporary occupation occurs when house prices rise and there is an inadequate supply of habitable building space (Main, 2014, p.13).
In the UK and elsewhere, austerity measures in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis have brought dispossession and dispossession, making contemporary cities more unjust and urban life more precarious (Ferreri, 2021, p.147). The need to activate unused space and transform negatively vacant space into a public asset has increased, and temporary use has thus become an effective tool in urban planning (Main, 2014, p.13).
At the same time, the terminology related to temporary use has evolved and has been widely adopted and promoted in the media related to the post-2008 ‘cultural revolution’ (Main, 2014, p.67).
Since the 2008 financial crisis, there has been a gradual shift in government policy towards encouraging and legitimising temporary use, with more formal structures emerging particularly in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. For example, the UK local government (DCLG) invested in the ‘Meanwhile Project’1 in 2009 (Palaiologou, 2019) with the purpose of Palaiologou (2019), “support individuals and organisations to intelligent use of unproductive empty buildings and underused land” (p.13).
‘Spontaneous Interventions’ at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2012 in the
The USA Pavilion highlighted 124 temporary projects initiated from the grassroots level across various cities in the United States (Rosenfield, 2017).
The global economy has undergone profound changes in recent years. While the demand for space in cities continues to grow, more and more buildings are considered ‘unmarketable’2 in the medium to long term resulting from economic downturns,
functional redundancies, and issues related to development and property rights (Häb, 2007, p.21).
1.3 Vacancy, Urbanization & Architectural Conservation
1.3.1 Vacancy Rates in Metropolitans
Figure 1. Vacancy Rates in Major Global Cities
Source: United States Census Bureau, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, SQM Research, 株式会社タス, Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority, SOHU.com.
Data of Vacant Historic Buildings in UK
Source: SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Time Out News. Homes From Empty Homes. Empty Homes Statistics (2013)
In the context of urbanisation, rising vacancy rates pose a serious challenge to the urban environment, and historic buildings are particularly vulnerable (Australia
ICOMOS Incorporated & International Council on Monuments and Sites, 2013).
Although these buildings may have significant architectural or cultural value, they are at risk of continued deterioration and even threat to their future due to lack of use in the medium to long term.
1 Meanwhile Project: “Intelligent use of unproductive empty buildings and underused land.”
Local Government’s (DCLG) Meanwhile Project 2009. https://www.meanwhile.org.uk/
1.3.2 Cause of Vacancy
Historic buildings around the globe have faced the challenge of high vacancy rates to varying degrees in the past or the present, which can be summarised in the following four main causes:
Urbanisation: Changes in Market Demand & Urban Decline
With urbanisation, market demands and the lifestyles of residents have changed significantly. Many historic buildings, originally designed and built for specific functions and uses, no longer meet the needs of modern society, which has led to their being left unoccupied (English Heritage, 2011, p.3).
Moreover, the increase in vacancy rates is related to urban decay (Armstrong et al., 2023), as the out-migration of residents and displacement of communities reduces the population density of neighbourhoods, weakening their vitality and directly losing the effective use of historic buildings (Grace Benninghoff, Portland Press Herald, Maine, 2025).
Economic Pressure: Rental Difficulties, Funding Issues & Conflict of Interest
Financial stability and market dynamics affect the utilisation of historic buildings. Historic buildings tend to be unattractive in a less prosperous economy, especially in areas of out-migration or reduced commercial activity (Rypkema et al., 2013). This condition makes it difficult to secure new uses or tenants for these buildings, and developers may find that new construction may have more profitable potential (Epp, 2025). Lack of demand from potential tenants and difficulties in renting or leasing, depressed market conditions may result in buildings remaining vacant in the medium term.
Besides, the high cost of maintaining and restoring historic buildings often deters potential tenants or buyers. If a building requires major repairs or upgrades to meet
This lack of perception results in a lack of adequate social support for the use and maintenance of historic buildings, which in turn leads to long-term vacancy and the risk of loss (Aigwi et al., 2017).
1.3.3 Risks of Vacant Historic Buildings
The vacancy of historical buildings poses more urgent and severe risks compared to other types of buildings.
According to the information from the UNESCO inclusive policy lab’s public question (Calvo et al., 2024):
• Structural and material damage to historic buildings
• Irreversible loss of cultural heritage
• Increase in security risks
• Lack of conservation sources, materials and skills
• Negative social and economic effects
• Unrealistic reproductions or fake monuments
Vacancy can lead to a vicious cycle of ‘repair-vacancy-repair-vacancy’ that prevents the active and beneficial use of historic buildings. The ‘Cycle of Systemic
Vacancy’3 further explains that it is a combination of human, policy, and process that leads to large-scale property vacancy (Progress, 2023).
Figure 3. Cycle of Systemic Vacancy
Source: Progress Community (2023)
In addition, as stated in 'Broken Windows Theory,'4 public policy experts George L. Kelling and James Q. Wilson argue that addressing smaller disruptions (such as broken windows), if left uncorrected, can lead to more serious crimes and community decay (McKee & J, 2025), neglected properties can be left unoccupied. crime and community decay, with neglected properties signalling to the community that they are unloved, leading to further decline (Gallo, 2022).
2 Unmarketable Buildings: in the context of real estate refers to a title that has defects or encumbrances that make it difficult or impossible to sell or lease the property. Unmarketable Title Definition | Law Insider. (n.d.). Law Insider. https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/unmarketable-title
3 Systemic Vacancy: equity challenges, triggers, market shifts, and the impact of increased vacancy on the community. Progress, C. (2023, April 8). Explaining the cycle of systemic vacancy | Center for Community Progress. Center for Community Progress. https://communityprogress.org/blog/explaining-systemic-vacancy/
4 Broken Windows Theory: an academic theory proposed by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling in 1982 that used broken windows as a metaphor for disorder within neighbourhoods. Their theory links disorder and incivility within a community to subsequent occurrences of serious crime.
McKee, & J, A. (2025, January 3). Broken windows theory | Description & Results Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/broken-windows-theory
1.3.4 The significance of temporary use for historical architecture conservation
In response to the challenges posed by vacant buildings, temporary use has emerged as an effective solution. It not only mitigates the risks associated with vacancy but also transforms empty spaces within the urban landscape into valuable public assets, thereby invigorating community life (Tuohy Main, 2014, p.14). This approach allows historic buildings to be reassessed and adapted for new purposes, encouraging creativity and innovation while preventing the negative consequences of long-term abandonment (Tuohy Main, 2014, p.51). Addressing the issue of vacancy, particularly in the context of urbanization, necessitates a multifaceted approach that integrates economic, social, and cultural considerations, along with actively seeking out innovative solutions like temporary use (Tuohy Main, 2014, p.63).
Temporary use as an innovative approach to conservation, advocating for its consideration not merely as a fallback option, but as a legitimate and impactful strategy in its own right.
Findings indicate that rather than waiting for ideal conditions or resources for long-term conservation, engaging occupied use even temporarily can be the most effective way to preserve historic buildings. This approach emphasizes the importance of intentionality and a comprehensive understanding of the associated challenges, positioning temporary use as a proactive measure that not only protects architectural heritage but also fosters community engagement and revitalization (Tuohy Main, 2014, p.8, p.65). In this context, temporary uses are framed as essential mechanisms that can sustain heritage in the face of evolving urban demands and resource limitations.
Sean O'Reilly emphasises the future-orientation in the conservation of cultural heritage, stating that “Conservation is about the future we want, not just the legacy we
enjoy.”5 This perspective further advocates for temporary use as a contemporary conservation approach that addresses not only present conservation requirements but also emphasizes future sustainability and the vibrancy of communities.
The value of temporary use lies in its ability to provide an effective solution to support the continued existence and development of cultural heritage in situations where traditional conservation methods cannot be implemented immediately. By empowering vacant heritage buildings to function in the face of current needs and capitalising on the values they embody, temporary use can indeed serve as a means to help individuals recognize that heritage plays a vital role not only in narrating the past but also in shaping the future. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for the significance of cultural and historical contexts, reinforcing their relevance in ongoing societal development. Temporary use can indeed be crucial for the preservation of historic buildings.
5 About Gus Astley. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2025, from. https://ihbc.org.uk/gasa_muse/about-gus-astley.html
Methodology: ‘Temporary Use’ as a Tool for Historic Building Conservation in UK
2.1 Why choose to analyse UK cases?
The United Kingdom boasts a variety of proven and effective instances of utilizing temporary activities as a method for preserving historic architectures. Given the rich architectural heritage and diverse approaches adopted within the UK, analyzing these cases provides invaluable insights and frameworks that can be applied to other contexts, such as Changchun. This comparative analysis aims to explore how the lessons learned from the UK's experiences can inform and enhance conservation efforts in Changchun, particularly in adapting temporary uses to fit local cultural and historical nuances. By drawing from these mature examples, the study seeks to establish a foundation for effective practices that can revitalize historic structures while promoting their continued relevance in contemporary society.
2.2 Analysis of case studies in the UK
Figure 4. Locations of 17 Case Studies in the UK
Source: Google Earth
Edited by: Jiayi WU
2.2.1 Overview of 17 cases: heritage listings, building vacant beforehand, the scales and period of occupancy, ownership, types of temporary use, physical changes
Heritage listings
Figure 5. Heritage Listing Percentage
Source: drawn by Jiayi WU
Data relating to the categorisation of English heritage is available through the Historic England website. While regeneration frequently acted as a key aim for temporary usages, it did not always take precedence. Conservation generally wasn't a deliberate focus for temporary use projects. Since historic building in temporary use is central to my analysis, the data reveals that 50% of the cases involved listed heritage sites. In addition, 12% of the cases were found within conservation areas. The remaining 38% were not listed or lacked clarity about their status. This indicates a notable focus on recognized heritage, while also highlighting the presence of projects in areas that may have historical significance yet do not have formal recognition.
To categorize the time scales and duration of occupancy for temporary use, we have classified them into the following categories:
- Short Term: Approximately 1 hour to 24 hours
- Medium Term: Approximately 1 day to 2 weeks
- Long Term: 2 weeks to 3 months
- Extended Term: 3 months to 10 years
In our analysis, a significant portion of temporary uses was categorized as short or long, accounting for 69% of the total. In contrast, shorter-term uses comprised 23% and medium-term uses only 8%. This indicates a trend towards longer durations of occupancy. Although many uses were initially intended as temporary, they sometimes evolved into longer-term solutions that were not originally planned.
Ownership
Source: drawn by Jiayi WU
Our analysis revealed that 50% of the case studies focused on publicly owned properties. The effectiveness of these projects largely depended on the readiness and capability of public agencies to provide their vacant or stalled properties on flexible
terms. Additionally, 29% of the studies involved private properties, while 21% encompassed a mix of ownership types.
The presence of this diversity introduced another level of complexity to the temporary uses; nonetheless, with proper management, it did not pose major issues. Ultimately, the adaptability of the property owners was key to the successful implementation of these initiatives.
The impact of physical changes to the building fabric
Figure 9 Physical changes and long-term impact
Source: drawn by Jiayi WU
In our examination of temporary use cases involving historical buildings, we found a predominantly positive impact on the built fabric. Specifically, 70.6% of the cases reported positive effects, indicating that these interventions generally enhanced the historical structure. Meanwhile, 23.5% of the impacts were classified as neutral, suggesting that they neither significantly improved nor damaged the fabric of the buildings.
Regarding the reversibility of the physical changes made, 67% of the alterations were deemed reversible, allowing for the restoration of the original state if necessary. Conversely, 20% of the changes were assessed as irreversible, implying a lasting
alteration to the heritage structure. Notably, 13% of the cases were marked as not applicable, indicating instances where an assessment could not be made.
Overall, the data suggests that while temporary uses can lead to some irreversible changes, the majority of interventions are beneficial and reversible, highlighting an opportunity for adaptive reuse without compromising the integrity of historical buildings.
2.2.2 Case Study #1: Hidden Door Festival
Summary: location, status, objective, project overview, space typology
‘Hidden Door Festival' can be used to understand the broader implications of ‘meanwhile use'/'temporary use’ in Edinburgh. In March 2014, the inaugural full event held in the then vacant Market Street vaults as the main venue transforming the disused Market Street vaults in Edinburgh into gallery and performance spaces for a nine-day celebration. As the concept and ethos of the project advocates, Lynn (2024): “brings the old historic city to life with new ideas, and fresh vision using a space which has hitherto been ignored”.
The artist-led project, based on the theme of Regeneration, showcased the work of numerous local artists, musicians, filmmakers, poets, and performers. The festival utilized 24 vaults to create unique multi-arts experiences and transformed the street area into a welcoming space with food and outdoor performances. The event marked the start of a lasting connection with Hidden Door for many artists and creators (Lynn, 2024). The festival aims to inspire the reuse and rediscovery of the city's forgotten spaces through art, music and performance, breathing new life into community and cultural life (Jim, 2024).
Festival development & current status
The Hidden Door Festival has been held annually since its first full festival in 2014, with a few exceptions. Here's a summary of its frequency and notable events:
The first full Hidden Door Festival took place in March, transforming the Market Street vaults into a vibrant arts space in 2014 (Lynn, 2024). In 2015-2016, the event relocated to an unseen courtyard off Kings' Stables Road, returning to the same site in 2016 (Hidden Door Arts, 2025). In 2017, it took place at the old Leith Theatre, which it helped revive as a major arts venue (Hidden Door Arts, 2025). The
festival returned in 2018 to Leith Theatre as a 10-day event and also used the former State Cinema building (Hidden Door Arts, 2025). In 2019, a special weekender event was held at Leith Theatre (Hidden Door Arts, 2025). In 2020, due to the COVID-19, the festival was held online (Hidden Door Arts, 2025). In 2021, it took place at the Granton Gasworks in north Edinburgh (Hidden Door Arts, 2025). And in 2025, Scheduled to take place from June 11 to 15 at The Paper Factory (Hidden Door Launch Party - Forever Edinburgh, 2024).
Hidden Door has consistently transformed disused historic buildings into vibrant cultural hubs, showcasing local and emerging talent across various art forms.
Target audience
Demographics and Interests includes individuals across a wide age range, from young adults to older individuals (McLaren, 2022). And the group of People values diversity and accessibility in arts programming. Emerging talents, particularly in showcasing new artists and contributing to the local creative landscape (White, 2024).
Findings: demonstrating several significant impacts
Revitalization of Forgotten Spaces: The festival transforms disused and neglected locations, such as the Market Street vaults, into vibrant cultural venues, effectively breathing new life into these historic sites and encouraging their ongoing use.
Community Engagement: By showcasing the work of local artists, musicians, and performers, the festival fosters community involvement and encourages collaboration among creatives, thereby strengthening local cultural ties and promoting a sense of belonging.
Cultural and Artistic Development: The festival not only highlights the talents of emerging artists but also provides them with a platform to connect with audiences, facilitating artistic growth and innovation within the community.
Economic Stimulus: By attracting attendees and generating interest in previously overlooked areas, the festival likely contributes to the local economy through increased foot traffic, supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities in the arts sector.
Long-Term Cultural Impact: The festival establishes lasting relationships between artists and the community, paving the way for future events and ongoing utilization of the spaces involved, thus contributing to the sustained cultural vibrancy of Edinburgh.
Inspiration for Future Projects: Hidden Door serves as a model for other initiatives aimed at re-purposing neglected spaces, promoting a proactive approach to urban regeneration through arts and culture.
Findings: changes to physical fabric
In the span of two weeks, extensive work took place to prepare the vaults for use. Skilled electricians connected power supply systems, ensuring that adequate electricity was available for lighting and equipment needed for the festival. Additionally, a reliable water supply was installed to support various activities, including food and beverage service.
During this time, the vaults underwent a thorough cleaning process, with debris and any unwanted materials removed to create a safe and welcoming environment. In the spirit of transformation, temporary installations were introduced, thoughtfully designed to enhance the space for artistic displays and performances. And the event was held in a way that was reversible in terms of the long-term impact of the historic building (Tuohy Main, 2014).
Findings: community response & long-term effects
The festival has been praised for revitalizing forgotten spaces, transforming them into vibrant cultural hubs (Mason, 2024). The festival has been successful in engaging the local community through volunteer opportunities and interactive events (Stephen,
2024). The Caltongate initiative, a revitalization effort worth £150 million, aims to transform the abandoned 5-acre Caltongate region in the heart of Edinburgh. This development plan includes the establishment of various new hotels, recreational venues, and residential complexes within the area (Tuohy Main, 2014).
Source: hiddendoorarts.org
Figure 17-21 Current status of the ‘Market Street Vaults’ after temporary use (2015)
Photo by. AOC Archaeology Group & Courtesy of HES. Source: canmore.org.uk
architects, graphic designers, photographers, and video production companies (Matthews, 2016). Because these projects are based in London, they attract and address individuals and businesses with a need for affordable workspace in areas where rent prices are high.
Findings: demonstrating several significant impacts
Job creation: The Collective project has created over 200 jobs and transformed 19 properties into employment spaces, contributing significantly to local economic vitality (C3 Camden Collective, n.d.).
Economic growth: aims to develop a sustainable business model by combining affordable employment space with residential units, addressing London's housing needs while ensuring economic viability (C3 Camden Collective, n.d.).
Sustainable Urban regeneration: The Collective's modular and flexible design approach has set a precedent for innovative use of urban spaces. This strategy supports sustainable urban development by ensuring that spaces remain active and contribute to the local economy. This model promotes mixed-use development and intensifies growth in town centers (C3 Camden Collective, n.d.).
Encouraged entrepreneurship and sector diversity: By offering subsidized coworking spaces, the Collective supports emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in a diverse range of creative industries (ARUP, 2020, p. 65).
Findings: changes to physical fabric
The Collective stripped out hospital accretions, leaving raw interconnected spaces largely intact. Freestanding furniture units were designed to be easily dismantled and moved, minimizing permanent alterations to the building's structure. Changes are designed to be reversible, ensuring that the buildings can be easily restored to their
original state or adapted for future uses when the temporary projects conclude (RIBA, 2016).
Findings: problems encountered
Finalizing lease agreements and getting access to the location is the biggest challenge. The broader local community and clientele may develop a connection to the temporary installations (ARUP, 2020, p. 65).
Findings: community response & long-term effects
The development of sustainable business models, such as the C3 project, aims to ensure the long-term viability of Collective, which may provide a more permanent solution to the need for affordable workspace and housing in Camden. In addition,
Collective's success in repurposing unused space for creative uses may influence London's future urban regeneration strategies, demonstrating how temporary uses can sustain urban vitality while awaiting long-term development. The programme also focuses on training and career development for young people, continuing to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills in the creative industries, further promoting diversity and leadership in the sector (Camden Town Unlimited and Euston
Town Business Improvement Districts & Volterra Partners, 2018).
Responses
2.3.1 The Strengths and Benefits
1. Preventing vacancy and decay of historic spaces
Historic buildings in city centres are at risk of deterioration if left unused for long periods of time. Victoria Baths maintains the vitality of the site by hosting temporary cultural events while preserving the integrity of the building. This model provides a “breathing conservation” solution for historic buildings, avoiding the accelerated deterioration caused by long-term vacancy. Birmingham's Custard Factory has avoided decay while awaiting long-term conversion through the introduction of a temporary programme for the creative industries. Its short-term use maintained the function of the building's foundations and delayed problems such as moisture erosion in the masonry. Research by English Heritage shows that the maintenance cost of regularly used historic buildings is 63 per cent lower than that of vacant buildings.
2.
Economic promotion and community engagement
The use of historic buildings for temporary art galleries and shops (hidden door festivals) in Edinburgh's Old Town has not only created a new model of cultural tourism, but also nurtured the local arts ecosystem. Data shows that such projects can increase neighbouring commercial rents by 15-20% and reduce initial operating costs by 70% for local entrepreneurs.
3. Functional innovation
London's Brixton Village has reinvented the experience of the place through temporary retail space, successfully increasing customer traffic to an average of 8,000 per day while preserving the characteristics of the Victorian architecture. This symbiosis of the old and the new proves that historic spaces are fully capable of
accommodating modern commercial needs. Temporariness reduces the cost of trial and error, and according to the City of London's “Space Broker” platform, 78 per cent of short-term leases eventually lead to innovative businesses.
4. Environmental sustainability
The transformation of The Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park into as a lively multifunctional space for commercial and social needs, it reduced carbon emission by 62 tonnes compared to the demolition and redevelopment option. The building was also designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in 2017 and renewed for a further five years in 2023, providing some protection against immediate redevelopment. This “lighttouch conversion” optimizes retention of the historic architectural form and aligns with the precepts of the circular economy (Diary, 2023).
2.3.2 The Drawbacks
1. Risks of commercialisation of heritage
Over-commercialisation may dissolve the spirit of place. In the context of globalisation, some clusters of cultural and creative industries have become ‘internationalised, standardised and homogenised’, and the cityscape has become ‘Placelessness’, with the original industrial memory being covered by consumerist narratives.
2. Conflicting regulations & lack of long-term planning
The Victoria Baths in Manchester were ordered to remove a lighting system installed for a temporary event, in breach of the Historic Buildings Conservation Act. English Heritage has calculated that around 28% of applications for temporary alterations are at risk of non-compliance.
Temporary use can be an excuse to delay substantial conservation. Glasgow has 19 Grade II listed buildings in “permanent temporary status”, the longest of which has
been let as storage space for 11 years. There is a serious disconnect between temporary use permits (typically 2-5 years) and the conservation cycle (typically 30-50 years) in current legislation.
3. Displacement effects on local communities
For example, in a cautionary tale, Brixton Market in London, while temporary use boosted its economic income, the surrounding historic row houses were converted into short-term art studios, with rents rising by 300 per cent in five years, leading to the displacement of 70 per cent of the original inhabitants.
2.3.3 Critical Response: Towards Sustainable ‘Temporary Use’
Temporary use is essentially a "time-for-space" strategy, the successful implementation of which requires the establishment of three dimensions.
1. The management dimension
The implementation of a ‘Reversible Retrofit Certification’ system, which requires all temporary facilities to be installed using non-destructive installation techniques. The
Camden Collective projects uses a modular, removable and dismantleable system, which leaves no traces of the facility after dismantling, which is worthy of consideration.
2. Temporal and spatial dimensions
Establish a gradient transition mechanism of ‘temporary-medium-termpermanent’, and delineate the spatial hierarchy between the core protection area and the flexible use area, similar to the ‘buffer layer’ system in the management of Edinburgh's World Heritage.
3. Economic dimension
Establish a ‘heritage regeneration fund’, with 20% of the proceeds from temporary use earmarked for long-term maintenance. The Mackintosh complex in Glasgow has achieved a virtuous circle of conservation funding through this model.
Feasibility and Opportunity of Introducing ‘Temporary Use’ in Changchun, Jilin
3.1 Learnt about Changchun
The investigation into the feasibility and opportunity of introducing 'Temporary Use' in Changchun, Jilin, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the city's urban landscape, vacancy dynamics, and potential for adaptive reuse strategies. This exploration includes an analysis of current vacancy rates and the historical factors contributing to the presence of underutilized buildings, which will lay the groundwork for identifying suitable spaces for temporary use initiatives (Li et al., 2019).
Furthermore, a thorough examination of how temporary use projects can be implemented, drawing inspiration from successful models and adapting them to the specific context of Changchun, is crucial. The support from local organizations, stakeholders, and property owners is also important to determine the viability and scalability of temporary use interventions within the city.
To assess the practical application of temporary use, we explore potential test cases within Changchun, identifying both spaces that could host temporary projects and the types of projects that would be most beneficial and well-received by the community.
These test cases serve as tangible examples of how temporary use can revitalize underutilized spaces and contribute to the city's cultural and economic vibrancy.
3.1.1 Status of Historic Buildings & Historic Districts in Changchun
Changchun's historical buildings are mainly concentrated in a few specific areas, such as South Square, Xinmin Street and the east side of Changjiang Road Pedestrian Street. These historic buildings are widely distributed, recording the history of China, Japan and Russia in Changchun, which formed a unique urban landscape. 2008 to 2009, the Changchun Planning Bureau organised technical staff to analyse and study more than 20 concentrated areas with certain historical value and finally identified 10 historic
The number of historical heritage buildings in these areas is particularly high, not only in terms of their high historical value, but also in a very good state of preservation, which provides potential space for temporary projects. These historic buildings have been sorted out and classified into three main types: historical lineage, area of affiliation and function of use, forming a comprehensive historical built environment: the historical lineage of Changchun's urban construction (line) + multiple historic districts (surface) + historic buildings (points) are formed in a comprehensive manner, which has become an important part of the city's culture, attracting the attention and exploring of many tourists and cultural enthusiasts (Toushichangchun, 2017).
According to the statistical results, the list of modern and contemporary historical buildings in Changchun is mainly derived from the following three aspects:
1. national, provincial, municipal and unclassified protection units announced by the cultural relics department.
2. the first and second batch of historical buildings and potential historical buildings announced by the planning department.
3. the clues to the historical relics that have been in existence in the society over a long period and which have been offered by the civil culture and conservation groups and volunteers.
Figure 26-27. Three major classifications of historic buildings in Changchun
Source: Tencent Video
embodied scientific and rational planning ideas, laid the foundation for urban development, and promoted Changchun as a modern industrial city (Chen, 2017).
Artistic values
Art Nouveau style: emerged in the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century, is characterized by a limited number of notable works, the ‘Yamato Hotel’ in Changchun is a typical example, which was built in 1907, and is a representative of
Art Nouveau style architecture in Jilin province (Yang, 2013).
Neoclassical style: started in the middle of the 18th century, emphasising the elegance and harmony of classical art, mainly borrowed from ancient Greek and
Palladian architecture (Yang, 2013)
Eclectic style: gained prominence from the 19th century through the early 20th century, buildings such as the Forged Manchu Imperial Palace in Changchun demonstrated the collision of Chinese and Western cultures, with styles and craftsmanship that were significantly different from those of traditional buildings (Yu, 2001)
Official halls and monumental buildings: originated in the pseudo-Manchukuo period, the ‘Manchurian’ style was formed by adopting the ‘Chinese inherent form’ design, and the unique style was reflected by combining the traditional components of the East and the West, and there are a number of representative buildings in Changchun (Cao, 2019)
Early Modernism: In the early 20th century, Changchun saw the emergence of modernist architecture, with an emphasis on functional and humane design, and the use of new materials and technologies (Liao et al., 2023).
Foreign architects and institutions: buildings designed by Shin Endo and Junzo Sakakura embodied modern architectural thinking, and Changchun's architectural design was influenced by Western architects (Ma, 1999).
Ten Great Buildings of the Founding of the PRC in Changchun: was initiated and developed in 1958 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC), reflecting a high level of design and craftsmanship, and marking a nationalised exploration of local architectural design in China (Liao et al., 2023)
Scientific
values
Use of new materials: since the 1930s, Changchun has seen the construction of a large number of reinforced concrete high-rise buildings of more than 4-5 storeys (Yang, 2023), changing the city's contours, and the adoption of technologically advanced building materials, such as silicate cement and special glass, as well as the widespread use of terrazzo and ceramic tiles, which reflect the impact of advances in building materials and forms made at that time in the modern construction industry (Pan, 2023)
Application of new equipment: with the introduction of new materials and processes, modern indoor facilities such as running water, heating and lifts began to be commonly installed in Changchun's public buildings. 90% of large public buildings were equipped with lifts and early air-conditioning systems to adapt to the cold climate of the Northeast; in addition, the popularity of washing toilets in the main urban area contributed to the process of urbanisation (Roesler & Kobi, 2020).
Impact of technological innovations: In the 1930s, Changchun adopted advanced construction techniques and mechanical equipment, which significantly improved construction efficiency, with building speed reaching 1.4 times that of Japan. The adoption of new equipment such as running water systems and flush toilets marked the
difference between modern and traditional architecture. The construction of these infrastructures promoted the upgrading of urban functions and facilitated Changchun's transformation from a market town to a modern city (DerpyDominon, 2023).
3.1.3 Current Vacancy Rates and Causes for Historic Buildings in Changchun Protection and Repair
At present, the national key units for the protection of cultural relics in Changchun have been repaired to varying degrees, and the overall state of preservation is intact, while the state of preservation of provincial-level and sub-provincial-level cultural relics protection units is not optimistic, and most of them are in the state of being repaired. More than 80% of the historical buildings approved by the planning department are in need of repair, and 20% of them are already in the development plans of all levels of governments (Toushichangchun, 2017)
From the survey statistics of Changchun Urban and Rural Planning and Design Institute, the total number of dangerous and old historic buildings in Changchun is 50 out of 302 historic buildings in 2015, which accounts for about 1/6 of the total number of historic buildings (Toushichangchun, 2017).
Openness
Within the cultural heritage preservation institutions of Changchun City, only the former site of the Pseudo-Manchu Imperial Palace, former site of the Jichang Daoyin Office, former site of Nanling Battalion, and the former site of the Changsha Film Museum Only the former site of the Imperial Palace of the Forged Manchuria, the former site of the Jichang Daoyin Office, the former site of the Nanling Camp, and the former site of the Changsha Film Museum are open to the public as museums (Toushichangchun, 2017).
Causes: Along with the lowering of the protection level, the risk of destruction is rising
Since 2007, Changchun City has formulated and released a series of architectural heritage protection systems, the framework for the protection of historic buildings has been largely established, as evidenced by several key documents, including the 2007 Notice from the Changchun Municipal People's Government regarding the announcement of the first batch of protected historical buildings, the 2012 Changchun Cultural Relics Protection Regulations, the 2013 Regulations on the Protection of Historical and Cultural Neighborhoods and Historical Buildings in Changchun, and the 2016 designation of the second batch of historic buildings.
In the central district of Changchun City, there exist 105 cultural relics protection units across various classifications, alongside 302 historical buildings. These entities are categorized based on their historical significance into three distinct groups: cultural relics protection units, historical buildings, and traditional style buildings. It is important to note that other forms of architectural heritage are excluded from this protective framework (Toushichangchun, 2017). The risk of destruction is increasing as the level of protection decreases.
Causes: contradictions between the heritage protection regime and other regimes
In Xinmin Street, the most iconic historical and cultural neighbourhood in Changchun, there are 12 buildings under heritage protection, nearly half of which the right to use them belongs to Jilin University, and a case of actual restoration work encountering obstacles is mentioned in the documentary (Toushichangchun, 2017).
Responsible for the restoration of Jilin University's heritage buildings since 2008, Li Hongquan, a senior engineer from Jilin University's Asset Management and Logistics Department, believes that: ‘With the help of the government, the issue of funding is not
the key to the heritage restoration work, as the actual worker of the project, the biggest problem for him is the contradiction between the heritage protection system and other systems (Toushichangchun, 2017).’ For example, according to the principle of heritage restoration, the lift car must be preserved in its original state, but this does not meet the current acceptance criteria for lifts.
This reflects the current architectural heritage protection and utilisation of the awkwardness of the system, and fire safety and other laws and regulations and heritage protection law, directly affecting the actual protection of the work, more and more blocked projects choose to delay and hesitate. This in turn will indirectly bring about the problem of vacant and unused buildings mentioned above, causing irreversible harm to the history and heritage buildings themselves.
3.2 Conducted Interviews
3.2.1 Interviews: Multiple Visions from Local Residents, the District Stakeholders, Property Owners
In the process of developing an in-depth understanding of the historic buildings in Changchun, a series of interviews and surveys were conducted with the aim of obtaining a comprehensive picture of the perceptions and attitudes of local residents and relevant stakeholders towards these buildings. Firstly, it was necessary to understand how property owners, historic preservation organisations and community residents perceive Changchun's historic buildings and their experiences of interacting with them. This understanding will provide a clearer picture of the attitudes of different groups towards the preservation of historic buildings, as well as their expectations and feelings when dealing with these culturally valuable spaces.
In the interactions with property owners, their views on the preservation and utilisation of historic buildings were explored, especially how to meet commercial needs
Figure 28-31 Provisions on Government Support for Architectural Conservation in the Regulations of Changchun City
附件 35：
长春市历史文化街区和历史建筑保护条例
（2012 年 8 月 29 日长春市第十三届人民代表大会常务委员会第三
十八次会议审议通过 2012 年 11 月 21 日吉林省第十一届人民代表 大会常务委员会第三十五次会议批准 根据 2020 年 10 月 30 日长 春市第十五届人民代表大会常务委员会第三十二次会议通过 2021 年 5 月 27 日吉林省第十三届人民代表大会常务委员会第二十八次 会议批准的《长春市人民代表大会常务委员会关于修改和废止部分 地方性法规的决定》修正）
目录
第一章 总则
第二章 历史文化街区和历史建筑的确定 第三章 历史文化街区的保护
第四章 历史建筑的保护
第五章 法律责任
第六章 附则
第一章 总 则
Source: 长春市历史文化街区和历史建筑保护条例
A portion of the rents obtained from the above activities will be used by the owner for the daily maintenance and restoration of the historical building, which of course will also improve Article 30 of the Changchun Historic and Cultural Neighbourhoods and Historic Buildings Protection Regulations, and the best way to increase the source of funds for the protection of the special funds is to be linked with the business, which will ideally reach to the example of the Brixtion Village in London.
3. In Changchun, the combination of ice and snow tourism with historical and cultural heritage has become an important strategy to promote tourism development. Historical/heritage buildings are briefly reopened to the public or temporarily used due to the theme of ice and snow, which will strengthen the function of the cultural experience, and such practices have already been generated in the central area of Changchun in the past two years. For example, religious buildings, such as mosques, and the historical neighbourhoods of Shanghudi in the Nanguan District have been integrated into the snow and ice tourism scene. For example, the ‘Kuan Cheng Zi’ neighbourhood on Dongtian Street has been restored to its historical appearance, combined with snow and ice sculptures and traditional food bazaars to form a ‘century-old’ cultural experience area (Li,2024). Also, as a famous historical and cultural street in China, Xinmin Avenue has a large number of pseudo-Manchurian buildings along it. This snow season, Changchun has created a ‘new scene of cultural ice and snow on Xinmin Avenue’, where large ice sculptures echo historical buildings, and a light show at night creates a flowing landscape of light and shadow(Phoenix News, 2025).
