6.2.HeritageInterpretation
AccordingtotheICOMOSCharterfortheInterpretationandPresentationof CulturalHeritageSites(ICOMOS,2008),heritageinterpretationinvolvesinteractive processesdesignedtoenhancepublicawarenessanddeepenunderstandingof culturalheritagesitesItemployspersonalandnon-personalmethodstoconvey informationaboutthenature,origins,andpurposesofhistorical,natural,or culturalresourcesThemethodsincludelectures,performances,exhibits,signage, andaudio-visualmediaamongothers
TheICOMOScharter(2008)outlinesseveralprinciplesforinterpretation.It specifiesthatinterpretationshouldfacilitatepublicaccesstoandunderstandingof heritagesites,bebasedonscientificallyvalidatedevidence,relatetobroader socio-culturalandhistoricalcontexts,respectauthenticity,prioritizesustainability, encourageinclusivity,andpromoteongoingresearchandtraining. Heritageinterpretationiscrucialfortheculturalheritageconservationprocess, aimedatconveyingculturalidentities,improvingvisitors'understanding,and fosteringpublicsupportessentialforthesurvivalofculturalheritage.Facingnew challengessuchasshiftsinconservationparadigmsandtheriseofculturaltourism, heritageinstitutionsmustdevelopsystematicplansthateffectivelycommunicate heritagevaluesandofferengagingvisitorexperiences(LiuandLin,2021)
7.CaseAnalysisofSanfangQixiang 7.1.ProjectOverview
SanfangQixiang,oneofChina'stoptenhistoricculturaldistricts,islocatedin FuzhouCity,FujianProvinceItsoriginstracebacktotheJinDynasty,with developmentduringtheTangDynastyandprosperityintheMingandQing DynastiesThedistrictcoversabout40hectares,includingacoreconservationarea of2837hectares,aconstructioncontrolzoneof998hectares,andan environmentalcoordinationareaof2427hectares
ThedistrictisorganizedaroundNanhouStreet,with"ThreeLanes"tothe westYijinfang,Wenrufang,andGuanglufangand"SevenAlleys"tothe eastYangqiaoLane(nowYangqiaoRoad),LangguanLane,TaLane,HuangLane, AnminLane,GongLane,andJipiLane(nowJipiRoad).Duetoinappropriateurban development,YangqiaoLane,JipiLane,andGuanglufanghavesuffereddamage, leavingonly"TwoLanesandFiveAlleys"intact.However,thetraditionalname "SanfangQixiang"continuestobeused(Wang&Guan, 2012).
Figure1:SangfangQixianglayout
7.2.TheTransformationJourneyofSanfangQixiang
ConservationofSanfangQixiangbeganinthe1990sandhasprogressedthrough threemainphasesThegovernment-led,market-assistedrenewalmodeldiscussed inthisresearchcommencedduringitssecondphase
FirstPhase(1993-2005):Thisphasefocusedonrealestatedevelopment,which includedtheprotectionof42ancientbuildingsandcelebrityresidences,and36 ancienttreesHowever,realestateactivitiesledtothedemolitionofmanyhistoric buildingsinYijinfang,replacedbymoderncommercialandresidentialbuildings knownasYijinHuating(Lian,2013).Thisstageprioritizedindividualancient buildingsbutlackedacomprehensiveapproachtoenvironmentalconservation, disruptingthetraditionalstreetlayoutofSanfangQixiang.
SecondPhase(2006-2010):Thisperiodcenteredoncomprehensiverepairand protection,managedbythenewlyestablishedFuzhouSanfangQixiang ManagementCommittee.KeyinitiativesincludeddraftingSanfangQixiangHistoric CulturalDistrictConservationPlanandrelatedregulationsThisphaseintegrated expertadviceandgovernmentregulations,focusingoneffectiveconservation planning
ThirdPhase(Post-2010):Focusedontransformingtheareaintoacommunity museum,thisphasewasguidedbyFuzhouSanfangQixiangCommunityMuseum PlanningandShort-termImplementationPlandevelopedin2010Theprojectwas structuredaround"onemaintheme"(oneSanfangQixiang,representinghalfof modernChinesehistory)and"fourkeycontents"(thelivingfossilofthe neighborhoodsystem,theMingandQingarchitecturemuseum,thesettlementof moderncelebrities,andtheintangibleculturalheritageexhibitionarea)(Lian, 2013).Thisstageofconservationmovedbeyondtheprotectionofindividual elementstofocusonoverallpreservationandthetransmissionofhistoricaland culturalheritage,highlightingtheroleofpublicparticipation.
7.3.HeritageValueofSanfangQixiangBeforeRenovation
7.3.1.HistoricalValue
Relatedtohistoricalfigures,events,andtheirlocales
ConnectionwithancientandmodernChinesescholarsandpoliticians:Sanfang Qixiang'shistorydatesbacktotheJin,Tang,Ming,andQingdynasties,witnessing
thepolitical,economic,andculturaldevelopmentsofFuzhouandsouthernChina.
Officialsandscholarsfromvariousdynastieslefttheirmarkhere,anditwasthe residenceofinfluentialfiguressuchasLinZexu,YanFu,BingXin,andLinJueMin.
Thishighlightsitscloseconnectionwithsignificantnationalfigures
Figure2:LinJuemin'sFormerResidence,BingXin'sFormerResidence
7.3.2.CommunalandSocialValue
Relatedtohistoricalperiods,traditionalsocialrelationships,intangiblecultural heritage,andsymbolsofcommunityidentity
MicrocosmofFuzhou'ssocialintegrationhistory:SanfangQixiangisamicrocosm ofFuzhou'sandChina’shistoryandculture.Ithasbeenanactivesiteforsocial interactionandculturaltransmission,witnessingencountersandinteractions amongpeoplefromvarioussocialstrataandculturalbackgrounds,weavinga uniquewebofsocialandculturalties.
Maintenanceoftraditionalsocialstructuresandnetworks,centerofthe community:Beforetourismdevelopment,SanfangQixiangreflectedtraditional socialstructures,withfamiliesandneighborswithinthedistrictformingtight socialnetworks
ContinuationoftraditionalFuzhoulifestyles:Beforetourismdevelopment,Sanfang Qixiangpreservedmanytraditionallifestylesandcrafts,suchastraditionaltheater, folkactivities,andcraftThesetraditionalactivitieswerenotonlypartofthe communityculturebutalsointegratedintothedailylivesofcommunitymembers, fosteringinternalinteractionandculturaltransmission.
PreservationofFuzhou’sintangibleculturalheritage:SanfangQixianghasbeenthe birthplaceofFuzhouculture,withuniqueculturalfeaturesliketheLanternMarket, BookMarket,andFujianOperaoriginatinganddevelopinghere.Theintangible culturalheritageofSanfangQixiang,includingtheFuzhoudialect,traditionalcrafts, localopera,andfestivalcelebrations,formsacrucialpartofthecommunity's culturalidentityandhistoricalmemory.Theseculturalforms,alreadyashared culturalexperienceandmemoryamongresidentsbeforetourismdevelopment, havedeepenedtheresidents'identificationwithcommunitytraditionsandhistory.
Embodimentofthescholar-officialculture:Historically,SanfangQixiangwashome tomanyscholar-officialsandliteratiItsarchitecturalstyle,layout,andassociated culturalactivitiesreflectthelifephilosophyandaesthetictastesofancientChinese
scholar-officials.Thesefamiliesoftenvaluededucationandculturaltransmission, makingSanfangQixiangahubfortraditionalculturaleducationandscholarly exchange,reinforcingitsidentityasaculturalandeducationalcenter. Platformforliteraticommunityexchange:Asagatheringplaceforliterati,Sanfang QixiangservedasasignificantvenueforsocialandculturalexchangesPoetry readings,calligraphyandpaintingexhibitions,andacademicdiscussionswereheld here,attractingliteratifromthesurroundingareasandbeyondThesecultural activitiesnotonlyenrichedthecommunity'sculturallifebutalsomadeSanfang Qixianganimportantplatformforspreadingcultureandexchangingideas.
7.4.PreservationandInterpretationofHistoricalValueinSanfangQixiang Effectivephysicalpreservationwithlesseffectiveinterpretation
Theassessmentofhistoricalvaluepreservationandinterpretationinvolves examininghowelementssuchasresidencesofnotablepersonsandsitesof historicaleventsaremaintainedandpresented.
SanfangQixianghasseensignificantenhancementsinpreservingitshistorical valuethroughoutitsconservationanddevelopmentjourney.Theassessmentof historicalvaluereliesonthephysicalpreservationofelementslikeresidencesof notablepersonsandsitesofhistoricaleventsBefore2006,thesehistoricalsites facedmanychallengesduetolong-termneglectThedilapidationofShen
Baozhen'sformerresidence,forinstance,highlightedtheurgencyofprotection effortsandtheimportanceofmaintaininghistoricalauthenticity. Withheightenedconservationawarenesspost-2006,culturalrelicsandancient buildingshavebeeneffectivelyrestoredStandardslikeTechnicalSpecificationsfor theConservationandRestorationofCulturalRelicBuildingsinSanfangQixianghave promotedtieredprotection,ensuringtheintegrityofhistoricstructuresToday,the coreareapreserves159MingandQingdynastybuildings,reflectingsuccessful historicalpreservation(GuangmingInsightsResearchGroup,2022)The preservationofhistoricalsites,suchastheresidencesofLinJueMinandYanFu, hassuccessfullymaintainedthearea'shistoricalvalue. Integrationofeducationalinitiativeshasfurtherenhancedhistoricalvalue transmissionandinterpretation.Transformingbuildingsintoexhibitionspaceslike museumsandculturalcentershasrevitalizedhistoricalsitesanddeepenedpublic understanding.However,operationalchallengespersist,includinglimitedaccessto exhibitionspaces,standardizedcontent,andunevenquality,whichcandisconnect thedisplaysfromthebuildings'historicalcontexts. Additionally,upscaletransformationsrestrictbroaderpublicengagementwith historicalvalues,withsomeheritagesitesconvertedintohigh-endclubsFor example,theformerresidenceofnavalcommanderXuJichuanisnowanupscale restaurantandclub
Insummary,whileSanfangQixiang'shistoricalvaluehasbeenwell-preserved throughmeticulousconservationefforts,thelimitedopennessandoperational approacheshavesomewhatdiminishedtheperceivabilityofitsvalue,reducingthe accessibilityandinclusivenessofculturaldisplaysThisalsorestrictsthedistrict's potentialasavibrantculturalandeducationalvenue
7.5.PreservationandInterpretationofSocialValueinSanfangQixiang
Significantcommunitytransitions,weakenedtransmissionofcommunity culturalidentity,andincompleteprotectionofintangibleheritage Thepreservationandinterpretationofsocialvalueareassessedthroughthe maintenanceandelucidationofvariouselementsthatinclude:thediversityof culturalexchangespacesrepresentingthehistoryofsocialintegration;the proportionoforiginalresidentsandthenumberandconditionofsocialand culturalactivitiesrepresentingtraditionalsocialstructuresandinterpersonal networks;traditionalcraftsandfolkactivities,andtheconservationofrelevant functionalspacesrepresentingthepreservationoftraditionallifestylesand intangibleculturalheritage;andthenumberanduseofculturalandeducational buildingsrepresentingthescholar-officialcultureandliterarycommunity exchangeplatforms Residentdemographicsandresidentialspace:Theproportionoforiginalresidents
inSanfangQixiangisminimal,withthemajorityhavingrelocatedandunableto returnduetopropertyrightschanges.Originallyhousingapproximately3,831 householdsover397,800squaremeters,andabout16,000people,only116 householdswerepermittedtoremainpost-relocationeffortsthatbeganinearly 2007(Sun,2011)Today,residentialspacesaccountforlessthan16%ofthearea’s usage,alteringtraditionalneighborhoodspacesandinteractions(Wangetal,2023) ,transformingtraditionalneighborhoodinteractionsandcommunityecology
Socialactivities:TheSanfangQixiangcommunitycommitteeorganizeslocal residentstoengageindistinctiveculturalandfestivalactivities,aimingtoenrich spirituallifeandpromotetraditionalculture.However,residentparticipationis voluntaryandlimited,oftenorchestratedbythecommitteeratherthanarising fromgrassrootsinvolvement(Wangetal.,2023).
Culturalfestivalsandcustoms:Culturalfestivalsandvariousfolkeventslikethe LanternFestivalandMid-Autumncelebrationsoccur,yetthereisalackofregular culturalactivitiesaimedatthelocalcommunity.Furthermore,themain participantsinthesefolkeventsarenotthelocalresidentsbutratherbusinesses andprofessionalperformancegroups(Li,2015).
Culturalspaces:SincetheSongDynasty,SanfangQixianghasbeenahubforofficial education,flourishinginculturalandeducationalactivitiesAccordingtothe FuzhouEducationChronicle(FuzhouEducationChronicle,Compilation
Committee,1995),fromtheSongtotheQingDynasty,theSanfangQixiangarea hosted15educationalinstitutions,includingfourofficialschools,sixacademies, andfiveprivatetutors,comprisingnearlyhalfofthetotaleducationalinstitutions (37)inFuzhouAdditionally,thelaneswerefilledwithavarietyofexamination halls,guildhalls,andliterarysocieties,suchastheSuianGuildHallonLangguan Lane,theChangtingExaminationHallonTaLane,andtheFuzhouAutumnSociety andSpeakingPoetrySocietyonDaguangAlley(Huang&Zhang,2023)These educationalandculturalspacesshapedtheculturalsystemofSanfangQixiang, makingitaspacerichinhumanisticcontentPoetsoncerecordedNanhouStreetas aconcentrationofancientbookstoresinFuzhou,wherepeoplelingeredamongold booksandpaintingsofhistoricalfigures.However,contemporaryculturaland educationalfunctionshavediminished,andthesespaces,oncevibrantwithliterary activities,nolongerfulfilltheirhistoricalroles.
Intangibleculturalheritage:SanfangQixiangboastsadiverserangeofintangible culturalheritage,includingthe"FuzhouThreeTreasures"oil-paperumbrellas, bodilesslacquerware,andhorncombs,alongsidetraditionalperformingartslike FujianOperaandfolksinging(Li,2015).Thedistrictalsocelebratestraditional foodsandfestivals,suchasfishballs,LanternMarkets,andPagodaMarkets. UniquepracticeslikepagodastackingandeventsattheMinshanTemplehighlight itsculturaldepth(Li,2015)Effortshavebeenmadetodocumentandpreserve thesetraditionsthroughcomprehensiveculturalsurveysandprotectionplans, focusingonthepreservationandpromotionoflocaldrama,crafts,andfolklore
Theareanowisrecognizedforits18intangibleculturalassets(Sun,2011),which includenationalandprovincialheritagesandtraditionalenterprises.However, challengesremaininpresentingtheseheritagesauthentically.However,challenges persist,includingalackofdepthinshowcasingtheuniquenessoftheseheritages andahomogenizationtrendVisitorsmostlyseeaspectsoffoodcultureandsome craftslikeoil-paperumbrellas,bodilesslacquerware,andhorncombs,displayed alongsidetraditionalFuzhouperformingartsElementsonceemblematicof NanhouStreet,suchasfestivallanterns,alongwithfireritualsanddragonboat races,havevanishedThepresentationofintangibleheritagealsolacksdepth, overemphasizingphysicalattributesandleavingbehindtheactualbearersand practitionersofthesetraditions.Museumsandperformanceexhibitsdominate, providingapassiveexperienceforvisitorswhoseetheartifactswithoutengaging withtheartisans.Theareanolongergeneratesnewintangibleculturalpractices, andexistingonesstruggletosustainthemselveswithoutexternalsupport.
Figure3:FormerNanhouStreet,afamouslanternstreet
Figure4:FujianIntangibleCulturalHeritageMuseuminSanfangQixiang,theexternal
Figure5:FujianIntangibleCulturalHeritageMuseuminSanfangQixiang,theinternal Duetothesignificantreductionintheproportionoforiginalresidentsandthelack ofactivelocalparticipationinsocialandculturalactivities,thepreservationof socialvaluereflectingsocialintegrationandtraditionalsocialstructuresinSanfang QixiangispoorThedrasticdecreaseinoriginalresidentsandthedeclineof culturalandeducationalspaceshaveoccurred,althoughanumberofliterati residenceshavebeenpreserved.Therefore,thesocialvalueofthesespacesas platformsforscholar-officialcultureandliteraticommunityinteractionisonly moderatelypreserved.
Additionally,whilethereisasignificantpresenceofintangibleculturalheritage,it lacksbreadthanddepthinitsexploration,focusingtoomuchonphysicalaspects whileneglectingthenon-materialelementssuchascraftsmanshipandbearersof traditionThismuseum-likerigidityandstaticpreservationhaveledtoonly moderatesuccessinmaintainingandinterpretingthesocialvalueofintangible culturalheritageandthecontinuationoftraditionallifestyles
7.6.SummaryofPreservationandInterpretationofHistoricalandSocial ValuesofSanfangQixiang
Overall,SanfangQixianghasmadesignificantachievementsinthephysical preservationofitsstructuresandtheassociatedhistoricalvaluestheycarry.
Additionally,theareahasachievedinitialsuccessinpreservingthescaleofits intangibleculturalheritage.However,challengesremainindeeplytransmitting historicalvalues,shapinglocalcommunitymemory,andenhancingthevividness andbreadthofintangibleculturalheritagetransmission.Effortstopreservethe uniqueculturalidentityofthecommunityalsofacesignificanthurdles.
7.7.UnderstandingtheCurrentStateofHeritageValuefromDevelopment Models:AGovernment-led,Market-assistedRenewalDevelopmentModel SupportfromGovernmentinArchitectureConservation,DevelopmentforPublic Benefit,InsufficiencyinDetailandRationalitywithinaBroadFramework,Lackof LocalParticipation
SupportfromGovernmentinArchitectureConservation:SanfangQixianghasseen substantialinvestment,withabout3.9billionyuan(2011)allocatedto conservationandrestorationefforts.Toenhanceprotectionanddevelopment, FuzhoucityestablishedSanfangQixiangManagementCommitteeandappointeda state-ownedcompanyforheritageprotectionThecityhasalsoissuedregulatory documentslikeFuzhou’sManagementMeasuresfortheProtectionofSanfang QixiangHistoricalandCulturalBlocks,ensuringthatrestorationworkfollows structuredguidelinesTheseincludeSanfangQixiangAncientArchitecture RestorationGuidelines,detailingera-specificconstructiontechniquesandpractices tomaintainhistoricalaccuracy.Furthermore,comprehensiveculturalsurveyshave beenconducted,leadingtothecreationofSanfangQixiangCulturalConnotation Survey,afoundationforprotectingintangibleculturalheritage.
Non-profitdevelopment:ThedevelopmentstrategyinSanfangQixiangfocuseson publicmuseumsandexhibitionareas,adoptingacommunitymuseumconceptthat merges "region+tradition+memory+residents."Thisapproachhasledtoa structurewithonecentralmuseum,37themedmuseums,and24exhibitionpoints (GuangmingInsightsResearchGroup,2022),whereplacesliketheLiuFamily Mansionserveascentralhubsforheritageeducation,emphasizingFuzhou's intangibleculturalheritageandfolkculture.
Managementsystemlackofclarityinresponsibilities:SanfangQixiangfaces challengeswithmultiplemanagementbodiesandalackofaunified
decision-makingmechanism.Specifically,manyentitiesareinvolvedinmanaging andoperatingthearea:theSanfangQixiangManagementCommitteeisresponsible fortheprotection,restoration,tourismplanningandsupervision,whilethe SanfangQixiangDevelopmentCompanyhandlesthedailymanagementofdistrict development,tourismreception,andcapitaloperationsTheManagement Committee,focusingprimarilyonhistoricalandculturalpreservation,doesnot considereconomiccostsIncontrast,theDevelopmentCompany,beinga state-ownedenterprise,althoughcommittedtoculturalandsocialbenefits,must alsomeetthedemandsofitssupervisorybody,theState-ownedAssetsSupervision andAdministrationCommission,torevitalizestateassetsandincreaseprofitability throughcorporatemanagement.Thisdualsystemleadstomisalignedmanagement efforts,whereprotectiveplansandbusinessstrategiesdonotintegrate, complicatingtheoperationalefficiencyanddecision-makingprocesses.
Managementpoliciesabsenceofenforcementpower:Thecomplexrelationship betweenthemanagementcommitteeandthemanagingenterpriseleadstothe marginalizationofthecommittee’sroleinoperations,makingitdifficultto effectivelyinterveneinSanfangQixiang’smanagement.Despitehavingsupervisory responsibilities,thecommitteelacksadministrativepenaltypowers,whichreduces itsabilitytoenforcespaceusageregulationsandbalancepreservationwith development
Managementpoliciesbroadframeworkswithoutdetail:TheFuzhoumunicipal
governmenthasestablishedacomprehensivepolicysystemforhistoricaldistricts, providingguidelinesforspatialplanningandusage.Whilethishelpsmaintain orderandguidesspaceuse,thepolicieslackprecisemanagementanddonot imposeclear,strictrequirementsonthequalityandoutcomesofspaceoperations Managementpoliciesemphasisonphysicalovercultural:Planningdocuments heavilyfocusonprotectingthephysicalaspectsofhistoricaldistricts,withthe managementcommittee’sresponsibilitiescenteredontheinspectionand maintenanceofheritagebuildingsHowever,thereisnostringentqualitycontrolor evaluationofoperationaleffectiveness.Supportforintangibleculturalheritageis limited,primarilyofferingspacesupportandrentreduction(Li,2015),withpolicies lackingdepthtoensuretheactivetransmissionofheritage. Managementpolicieslackoflocalcommunityparticipation:Thelocalcommunity inSanfangQixianghasexperiencedmultiplerelocations,significantlyreducingthe presenceoforiginalresidents,withlessthan16%(Wangetal.,2023)ofthearea allocatedforresidentialuse.Thehighlevelofcommercializationandtourism developmentdiscouragesoriginalresidentsfromparticipatinginthedistrict's sociallife,minimizingtheirinvolvementinneighborhoodinteractions. Consequently,theerosionoftraditionalcommunitybondsandculturalpractices continues,asfewinitiativesexisttoactivelyreintegrateorsupporttheremaining residentsintheevolvingsociallandscapeThislackofcommunity-focusedpolicies furtheralienateslocals,threateningtheintangibleculturalheritagethatrelieson
communitytransmissionandparticipation.
FinancialPressures:SanfangQixiangfacedsignificantfinancialconstraintsfromits earlydevelopmentstagesBy2017,about46billionyuanhadbeeninvestedinthe project,with212billionyuanfrombankloansTherelianceonloansresultedina heavyannualinterestburdenofapproximately110millionyuanWithonly 148,000squaremetersavailableforoperationsandrelyingonarental-based modelandextensivemuseumspaces,theprojectfacedaconsiderablefunding shortfall(Wu&Jing,2019)Thisfinancialsituationforcedthemanagingcompany toprioritizetourismdevelopmentandquick-returnbusinesseslikechainbeverage storesandsouvenirshops.Thisapproachhasledtoahomogenizationofthe district,failingtohighlightSanfangQixiang'shistoricaluniquenessorprioritize qualityimprovementsinpublicculturalandtourismactivities.Asaresult,thereis alowleveloffocusontheeffectiveutilizationofinteriorspacefordisplays,with manyexhibitionsremainingunchangedforyears(Wangetal.,2023).
ResultsAfacadewithoutsoul:Despitehavingaprotectivepolicyframeworkand oversightbythemanagementcommitteeandstateenterprisedevelopment, SanfangQixianghasonlymanagedtopreserveitshistoricalandsocialvaluestoa basicextent.Theseincludeconnectionstohistoricaleventsandfiguresfromthe Ming,Qing,andmodernperiods,aswellassomelinkstoFuzhou'sintangible culturalheritage
However,themanagementpolicies'lackofdetailandfocusonintangibleand culturalaspectshasresultedinasubstantiallossofcontentandauthenticityin heritagevaluesrelatedtoskills,people,andspaceusage.Thisincludessocial valuesconnectedtoFuzhou'straditionallifestyle,scholar-officialculture,and communityintegrationhistory,whichareinadequatelypreservedduetothese policyshortfalls
Theconstrainedmanagementcapabilities,afinanciallystrainednon-profit museumoperation,andthepursuitofprofitabilityhaveintensifiedcommercial tendenciesandweakenedculturaldistinctiveness,diminishingthedepthof heritageinterpretationandcommunityidentityexpression.
8.CaseAnalysisofSingaporeChinatown
8.1.ProjectOverview
ChinatowninSingaporeisawell-knownhistoricalconservationareaestablished duringthecolonialperiodinthe1820sasaprimarysettlementforearlyChinese immigrants.Overtheyears,itexpandedanddevelopedintoneighborhoods characterizedbyshophouses,evolvingthroughvariousphasesfromthe18thtothe 20thcentury.Spanninganareaofapproximately37.5hectares,itcomprisesfour districtsdevelopedatdifferenttimes:TelokAyer,BukitPasoh,KretaAyer,and TanjongPagar
Figure6:Chinatownhistoricdistrictarea 8.2.TransformationandConservationJourney
Fromthe1960stothe1980s,Chinatownsawsignificantchangesdueto modernizationeffortslikedemolishingoldbuildingsandclearingstreetvendors, whichaffecteditshistoricallandscapeandtraditionalcommercialactivities
However,asappreciationforarchitecturalheritagegrew,boththepublicand governmentrealizedtheimportanceofpreservinghistoricalbuildings
Theconservationeffortsbeganwithindividualbuildingsandpilotprojects.In 1984-1988,apilotprojectinTanjongPagarrestored32outofover200 shophouses,encouragingprivateownerstoconservearchitecturalheritage.Under thesupervisionofUrbanRedevelopmentAuthority(URA),thegovernment incentivizedprivateownerstorestoreandmaintainshophouseproperties(Melic,
2019).OnJuly7,1989,thegovernmentofficiallydesignatedChinatownasa historicdistrictarea,recognizingshophousearchitectureascrucialtoSingapore’s historicalandculturalnarrative.
Inthe1990s,Chinatownadaptedtoevolvingmarketandsocialneeds,withthe SingaporeTourismBoardtransformingitintoamoderntouristattractionBythe mid-1990s,theareawaspromotedasaheritagesitethemedaroundethnic enclaves,focusingonpreservingandmarketingthisdistrictasareflectionof Chineseculture(Lietal,2022)
8.3.HeritageValueofSingapore'sChinatownbeforerenovation
8.3.1.HistoricValueRelatedtoImportantPhase,theDailyLifeoftheGeneral CommunityandSocialDevelopment
Witnesstoimmigrationhistory:AsthehubofearlyChineseimmigrationin Singapore,Chinatownhaswitnessedthetransformationfromacolonialoutpostto amoderncity-stateandtherolesplayedbytheChinesecommunityinSingapore's historyanddevelopment.
8.3.2.SocialValue
Relatedtohistoricalperiods,traditionalsocialrelationships,intangiblecultural heritage,andsymbolsofcommunityidentity
Preservationoftraditionalsocialstructuresandnetworks:Asthehistoricalcenter oftheSingaporeanChineseimmigrantcommunity,Chinatown'sshophouses,social gatheringspots,andtemplesareintegraltoitstraditionalsocialstructure.Its publicspaces,suchastemples,parks,opensquares,teahouses,andtheaters, providevenuesforcommunitygatheringsandsocialactivitiesthatfoster communityspiritandcollectiveidentityThearea'smarkets,festivalcelebrations, anddailycommercialactivitiesalsoenhanceinterpersonalconnections
Representationoftraditional,multi-layeredsocio-economicstructures:Chinatown historicallyhostedavarietyofprofessions,includinglocksmiths,umbrella repairers,knifesharpeners,watchmakers,clogmakers,calligraphers,bakers, barbers,andletterwriters.Thediversityoftheseoccupationsnotonlyreflectsthe community'seconomicself-sufficiencybutalsorepresentsatraditional, multi-layeredsocio-economicstructure.Thecomplementarityofdifferent professionsillustratesthemutualsupportandcollaborationamongresidents.
Diverseculturalandcommercialactivities:Asasettlementforimmigrants, Chinatown'sculturalfusionisreflectedandstrengthenedinitsreligious,cultural, andcommercialactivities,showcasingthecommunity'sculturaldiversityand identity.
Ethniccharacteristictraditionalcrafts:Chinatownpreservesmanytraditional craftsandcommercialactivities,suchastraditionalChinesemedicineshops,
handicraftstores,andstreetvendors.Theseactivitiesarenotonlypartofthe economiclifebutalsovenuesforculturaltransmissionandsocialinteraction. Survivalofstreetculture:Chinatown’smarkets,vendors,andshopsnotonly provideessentialservicestothecommunitybutalsoserveasvenuesforsocializing, trading,andculturalactivities,reflectingavibrantstreetculture
SymbolofimmigrantidentityforChinesefromSouthernChina:Chinatown representstheearlyimmigrantsfromsouthernChina,preservingthehistoryand culturaltraditionsofthesegroupsastheyestablishedtheirlivesinSingapore. TheseimmigrantsplayedacrucialroleinbuildingSingapore,andChinatown symbolizestheiridentityandcontributions.
8.4.PreservationandInterpretationofHistoricalValueinChinatown EffectivePreservationofPhysicalCarrierswithMissingLocalHistorical Narratives
ThepreservationandinterpretationofChinatown'shistoricalvalueareassessed throughthemaintenanceandexplanationofelementsrepresentingitsimmigrant history. ItisprimarilyevidentthroughtheshophousesThesebuildings,constructed mainlybetween1840and1960,arecharacterizedbytheirdeep,narrowstructures
alignedcloselyalongthestreets,creatingavisuallyimpactfulstreetscape. Beforetheinitiationofconservationefforts,manyshophouseswereneglecteddue torentcontrolpoliciesthatdisincentivizedmaintenancebyowners,andthevalue ofpreservationwasnotreadilyapparenttopolicymakersorthepublic(Melic, 2019)Inthe1990s,Chinatownwasofficiallydesignatedasahistoricdistrictarea, whichledtodefinedboundariesforprotectionandguidelinesforpreserving buildingsthatneededtoadherestrictlytoURAconservationstandardsTheURA's guidelinesmandatedthattheprimaryarchitecturalelementsoftheshophousesbe carefullyrestoredandpreserved,allowingtheiruseforbothcommercialand residentialpurposeswithinthehistoricalcontext.Thiscarefulrestorationunder stringentguidelineshashelpedmaintainChinatown'shistoricalfaçade,blending variousarchitecturalinfluencesthatreflectSingapore'sroleasamulticultural tradehub.
Figure7:Chinatownshophouses
Additionally,significantreligious,commercial,andculturalbuildings,aswellas communityhallsandtransporthubs,likeJamae(Chulia)Mosque,SriMariamman Temple,theFormerMajesticTheater,andJinrikishaStation,havebeenpreserved Thesestructuresnotonlyreflectthecity’sdevelopmentbutalsodemonstratehow immigrantcommunitieshaveinfluencedSingapore’ssocial,cultural,andeconomic landscapeThroughtheseconservationefforts,Singaporehasmanagedtoretain themulticulturalhistoryandcollectivememoryassociatedwithitsimmigrantpast HeritageinterpretationinChinatownhashistoricallybeenmodest,primarily centeredaroundtheFukTakChiMuseumandChinatownHeritageCentre.TheFuk TakChiMuseumisnotablysmallwithfewexhibits.ChinatownHeritageCentre, whichshowcasedlifein1950sshophouses,hasclosedduetothepandemic's impactontourism.AlthoughChinatown'sofficialwebsiteoffersguidedtourroutes, theyarenotuniversallyfreeoravailableinalllanguages,limitingaccessibilityfor manytourists.
Figure8:Jamae(Chulia)Mosque
Moreover,thereisasignificantgapindeeplyexploringChinatown’scomplex historicallayers.Forinstance,AmoyStreet,oncerifewithopiumdensduringthe colonialperiodwhenopiumsignificantlyimpactedSingapore'strade,todayshows littletraceofinterpretationofitsdarkerpastThestreet’spicturesquefaçadesand commercialestablishmentsovershadowthegrimrealitiesandstrugglesofthe colonialera,hidingthetruelivingconditionsofthelowerclassesinthepastbehind afacadeofcolonialexoticismSimilarly,SagoStreet,historicallyaplaceforfuneral ritesforsingleimmigrants,lacksengaginginterpretivecontent,blending indistinctlywithothercommercializedstreets.
Figure9:SagoStreet
ManyhistoricalbuildingsliketheFormerLaiChunYuenhavestrayedfromtheir originalfunctionswithoutadequatehistoricalinterpretationorintegrationintoa broaderheritagenarrative.Thisresultsinasuperficialunderstandingof
Chinatown’shistoryamongvisitors,whoremainlargelyunawareofthearea's historicaldepthaftervisiting.
Figure10:theFormerLaiChunYuen
TogenuinelyreflectChinatown'shistoricalsignificanceanddepth,morerobust localandbroaderheritageinterpretationprojectsareneeded.Theseshouldaimto revealthediverseaspectsofChinatown’simmigranthistoryandenhance understandingofitsroleinSingapore'sdevelopment
WhilephysicalpreservationofhistoricalbuildingsinChinatownhasbeen successful,enhancingthedepthofhistoricalinterpretationandpublicengagement througheducationalprogramsanddetailedhistoricalresearchisessentialto presentChinatownasavitalwitnesstoSingapore’srichimmigrantpast.
8.5.PreservationandInterpretationofSocialValueinChinatown CommunityTransformation,IncompletePreservationandDilutionof CommunityCulturalIdentity,DifficultiesinPreservingIntangibleCulturalHeritage
Chinatown'ssocialvalueisevaluatedbythepreservationandinterpretationofits diverseelements,includingtheproportionoforiginalresidentsandsocial gatheringspacesthatmaintaintraditionalsocialstructuresandnetworks;the diversityofoccupationsandbusinessesreflectingitsmulti-layeredsocio-economic structure;traditionaltradesshowcasingethniccrafts;andthevarietyofcultural activitiesandassociatedarchitecturethatillustrateculturalandcommercial diversityThepreservationoftraditionalmarketsandstreetvendorsalso highlightsthelocalstreetculture,andthepreservationofplacessignificanttothe historyofimmigrantsfromsouthernChina,andcommercialcharacteristicsand featuresrelatedshowsthearea’simmigrantidentity.
Communitydemographicsandresidentialspace:Fromthe1960sto1970s,massive urbanrenewalandhousingdevelopmentplansledmanyChinatownresidentsto relocatetonewpublichousing,significantlyalteringthecommunity’s demographicsandreducingtheinfluenceoforiginalresidents.InareaslikeBukit Pasoh,despiteremainingresidentialuse,risingpropertycostshavespurredan increaseincommercialactivities.TanjongPagarhasalmostnoresidentialusage left,transformingfromamixed-useareaintoazonedominatedbycommercialand culturalactivities,withresidentialfunctionslargelyphasedout(Raju,2020).This segregationmakesitdifficulttopreservetheoriginalresidents'lifestyle,habits, andrelationships
Socialgatheringspaces:Socialgatheringspaces,althoughpreserved,areless effectiveinfosteringlocalinteractionsduetothedecreasedpresenceoforiginal residents.
Occupationalandcommercialdiversity:KretaAyerinthe1880shouseda populationprimarilyofcoolies,rickshawpullers,andmerchantsservingthem, engagingnotjustindailyfoodanddrinkbusinessesbutalsoinopiumdens, brothels,theaters,andfuneralservicesBythe1930s,theareasawadiversification intradessuchasumbrellamakers,knifesharpeners,watchmakers,stoolmakers, Chinesecalligraphysigncarvers,bakers,barbers,letterwriters,coolies,rickshaw pullers,witchdoctors,andsnakecharmers,withtheemergenceoftailorshops, nightmarkets,morningmarkets,andrestaurants.Bythe1960s,localcommercial activitiesgavewaytolarger-scaledevelopments.Fromthe1980sonwards, Chinatowngraduallytransformedintoahubattractingtouristsandlocal customers,includingsouvenirshops,diverseeateries,andsometraditionalshops. However,thediversificationofcommercialandoccupationalactivitiesin Chinatownisdiminishingduetochangesinlifestyledemands,tourism,and standardization.
Religiousandculturalpreservation:Intermsofreligious,cultural,and entertainmentactivitiesandrelatedarchitecture,religiousbuildingsare well-preserved,suchasJamae(Chulia)Mosque,ThianHockKeng,andSriLayan SithiVinayagarTemple,servingascommunityconnectorsandbearersofcultural
andreligioustraditions.Besidestemples,Chinatownalsoretainssomeclanand tradeassociationbuildings,whichwerecommunityhubslikePoonYueAssociation andKongChowWuiKoon,oftenhostingcommunityeventsandprovidingwelfare services,crucialtotheearlyimmigrantcommunitystructureTheaterbuildings likeChinatownOperaHouse,FormerLaiChunYuen,andFormerMajesticTheater werenotonlyperformanceartsvenuesbutalsospacesforcommunitygathering andentertainmentHowever,someofthesebuildingsarenolongerusedintheir originalways,suchassomeassociationsbeingconvertedforcommercialuse,or theystruggletoeffectivelyconveytheirhistoricalandculturalsignificancetolocals andtourists.Thismayleadtoadisruptioninculturalcontinuity,affectingpublic recognitionandparticipationintraditionalspacesandactivities.
Ethnicspecialtyindustries:Thepreservationoftraditionalcraftsinhistoric districtsischallengedbyhighrentsdrivenbytheircentralurbanlocations.For example,inKretaAyer,acoreprotectedareaknownforitshistoricalatmosphere,a 2017survey(Tohetal.)showedthattraditionalindustriesonlyaccountfor8%of thebusinesstypes,withagrowthrateof2.13%significantlylowercomparedto othersectorslikeF&B(10.53%),professionalservices(10.58%),andtourism retail(9.4%).Thisindicatesthedifficultiestraditionalindustriesfacein maintainingapresenceinChinatown,withevenlowerrepresentationsinother districtsassociatedwithChineseculture
Table2:TenancyfiguresofKretaAyerin2015and2017
Traditionalmarketsandstreetvendors:IntheprotectedareasofChinatown, traditionalmarketsandstreetvendorshavebeenrelocatedtocommercialand residentialdistrictsoutsidetheheritagezoneTheclosureofSmithStreet'sfood streetduringthepandemichighlightstheimpactofdecreasedtouristactivityand commercialmanagementissuesonlocalcommercialsites
Figure11:Night-timeviewoftheChinatownBazaarin1970s
Immigrant-relatedhistoricalsites:Asmentionedearlier,thephysicalpreservation ofhistoricalsitesinChinatownisrelativelyintact,butthefunctionalityand interpretationofthesesitesarelacking
Commercialcharacteristicsandfeaturesrelatedtoimmigrantidentity:Whilesome localbusinesseslikeTongHengandEuYanSangareprominent,traditional industriesareunderrepresentedMoreover,localbusinesscharacteristicsare currentlyfacingasurgeinupscale,globalizedcommercialpressuresAnother concerningissueisthedilutionofSingapore'snativeimmigrantculturalidentity, whichisbeingreplacedbyageneralizedimageofChineseculture.Forexample,in theKretaAyerarea,thepresenceofSichuanandNortheasternChineserestaurants
“emphasizesMandarin,oftenattheexpenseofothersignificantdialectssuchas Cantonese,Hokkien,andHakka”(Chiaetal.,2000),therebylosingthelocal culture'suniquenessandcomplexity.Thistrendisalsoreflectedinthenew decorationsandarchitecturalfeaturesinChinatown,suchasmuralsandthenewly constructedBuddhaToothRelicTemple,whichshowcaseNorthernChinese architecturalstyles.
Duetoasignificantreductionintheproportionoforiginalresidentsandthe functionaluseofresidentialspaces,Chinatownisfailingtomaintainlocal traditionalsocialstructuresandnetworksThedeclineinoccupationaland commercialdiversityandthedisappearanceoftraditionalmarketsandstreet
vendorsfurtherweakenthesocialvalueassociatedwithethniccraftsandlocal streetculture.Althoughactivitiesandplacesrelatedtoreligionandclanarewell preserved,thereductionincommercialdiversityanduniqueculturalactivities diminishesthesocialvalueassociatedwithdiverseculturalandcommercial activitiesWhilemanybuildingsrelatedtoimmigranthistoryarepreserved,their functionalretentionandsiteinterpretationarepoor,andtheimpactof gentrificationandnewimmigrantbusinessandculturalinfluencesaredilutingthe socialvalueassociatedwiththecharacteristicsofsouthernChineseimmigrants
8.6.SummaryofPreservationandInterpretationofHistoricalandSocial ValuesofSingaporeChinatown
Insummary,whileChinatownexcelsinthephysicalpreservationofarchitectural heritageanditsassociatedhistoricalvalue,itfallsshortinprovidingdeep historicalnarratives,unearthinglocalheritage,preservingcommunitymemory, andmaintainingcommunityidentity.
8.7.Understandingthecurrentstatusofheritagevaluesfromthe developmentmodel:Amarket-led,government-assistedrenewalmodel supportivearchitecturalconservationpolicies,market-drivendevelopment,a lackoffocusandcontroloverintangibleheritageandcommercialformats,and insufficientlocalparticipation Government'ssupportforphysicalheritagepreservation:Thegovernmenthas
activelyparticipatedinthephysicalpreservationofshophouses,initiating demonstrationprojectstoconvincetheprivatesectoroftheeconomicbenefitsof preservation.AftersuccessesinareaslikeTanjongPagar,theprivatesector increasinglyembracedtheseeffortsIn1986,aconservationplandesignated Chinatownasahistoricdistrictarea,grantinglegalprotectiontobuildings,with somebecomingnationalmonuments
UnderthesupervisionoftheUrbanRedevelopmentAuthority(URA),the governmentbegantenderingtoprivateowners,tradingabandonedand dilapidatedbuildingsandlots(Melic,2019).From1991,undertheConservation InitiatedbyPrivateOwners’Scheme,itencouragedownerstomaintaintheir historicalproperties,providingguidelinesandmanualstoupholdconservation standards(Melic,2019).URA'steamsalsoensuredcompliancewithpreservation rulesduringrenovations.
LandacquisitionlawsalsoallowedthegovernmenttopurchaselandinChinatown fordevelopmentandconservation.Moreover,tosupporttheconservationprocess andfunding,thegovernmentofferedincentivessuchasthe1994TaxExemption Schemeandthe2004GrossFloorAreaIncentive(Lietal.,2022).Theseinitiatives encouragedpublicinvestmentinarchitecturalheritage.In1995,theURA establishedtheArchitecturalHeritageAwardstorecognizeowners,developers, architects,engineers,andcontractorswhodemonstratedthehigheststandardsin thepreservationandrestorationofheritagebuildings,furtherensuringthe
ongoingprotectionofhistoricalstructures.
Throughoutthisprocess,theSingaporegovernmenthasplayedmultipleroles, includingdemonstrating,planning,grantinglegalprotection,acquiringproperties, issuingguidelines,providingincentives,andregulating,toensurethepreservation ofthearchitecturalintegritywithintheconservationarea Freemarketcompetition:Chinatown'slocationinthecitycenterhasledto continuallyrisingrentsandpropertyprices,placingeconomicpressureon traditionalindustriesandlong-termresidents.Manyhistoricalshopsand workshopshaveclosedorrelocatedduetohighrents,leadingtoalossof traditionalcharacterandintangibleheritage.Forinstance,traditionalhandicraft storesandfoodstallshavetransformedintotourist-orientedsouvenirshopsand upscaleeateries,whichboostseconomicvitalitybutdilutesChinatown'shistorical richness. Moreover,thecommunityisshiftingtowardsshareholdervalueandrealestate investment,withlandandpropertyuseincreasinglyfocusedonmaximizing economicreturnsratherthanpreservingtheculturalandhistoricalvaluesofthe community(Tohetal.,2017).Ithasleddeveloperstoconvertpropertiesintomore profitableuseslikerestaurantsandcommercialspaces,acceleratinggentrification andpotentiallyerodingChinatown'suniquediversity
Deepinterventioninmarketforcesisclearlybeyondthegovernment's responsibilitiesanddesires.OfficialsfromtheSingaporeTourismBoard(STB)and theUrbanRedevelopmentAuthority(URA)expressapreferencetoavoiddirectly interveninginmeasuresthatcouldimpactmarketforcesForexample,aURA officialnotedthattheissueofcommercialgentrificationislargelybeyondtheir controlbecausetheydonotinterferewithmarketdynamicsSimilarly,anSTB officialmentionedthatunlessthereisspecificgovernmentintervention,there appearstobenoconcretesolutiontoaddresstheproblemofcommercial gentrification(Tohetal,2017)
Lackofcontrolsoverthetypesofbusinesses:TheURAimposesspecific restrictionswithintheconservationarea,banningcertainactivitieslikenewbars, massageparlors,andpollutingindustries.However,detailedcontrolsoverthe typesofbusinesses,suchasrestauranttypesorwhethertheyaretraditionalcrafts, arebeyondgovernmentregulatorycapability.
Lackofintangibleheritagefocus:Chinatown'straditionalcommercialactivitiesand intangibleculturalheritagewasconsideredtolackcomprehensivesurveysto assesstheviabilityoffadingtraditionalindustries(Chiaetal.,2000).Researchis neededtodeterminetheirpotentialforsustainability,adaptation,andcommunity service
Insufficientsupportfortraditionalindustries:Thegovernmentmayuse"strategic
subsidies"forpolicyobjectivesbutremainsnon-committalonwhetherthe protectionofChinatown'sintangibleculturalheritagejustifiesmarketintervention (Tohetal.,2017).Whilesomeindirectmeasureshelptraditionalbrandsattract youngercustomersbyhelpingthemcreatenewsouvenirlinesandpackagingstyles, theoverallapproachprioritizesthearea'svitalityandfinancialsustainabilityover culturalpreservation(Tohetal,2017)
Neglectofresidentialfunctionsandcommunityinvolvement:Beforerevitalizing Singapore'sChinatown,extensiveresidentrelocationimprovedurbanconditions butdidn'tincludeplansforrepatriation,drasticallyreducingoriginalresidents' numbers.Post-renewalplanshavemarginalizedresidentialfunctions,favoring commercializationthathindersoriginalresidentsfromreturningduetoincreased livingcosts,whileattractingwealthiernewresidents.
Lackofpublicbenefitprojects:Ashortfallinitsdevelopmentmodelsisthe inadequateemphasisonpublicinterestdevelopmentprojects,especiallyinterms ofheritagereuseandinterpretation.Thefocushasbeenonenhancingproperty valueandattractingtourists,ratherthancreatingcommunity-centricpublicspaces andprojectsrootedinhistory.Heritagereuseprojectstendtotransforminto high-endcommercialspaceslikeboutiquerestaurantsandretailshops,ratherthan strivingtopreserveandshowcasetherichculturalstoriesandcommunity memoriesofthearea
Moreover,theinadequacyofheritageinterpretationisevidentinthelackof representationoforiginalresidents'storiesandcommunitylife,overlookingthe historicaltiesbetweentheresidentsandtheland.Therehasbeeninsufficientuse ofthecommunity'sintangibleculturalresources,suchasoralhistories,folk activities,andtraditionalcrafts,toenhanceculturaldepthandidentity Marketpositioningandtourismbranding:Themarketpositioningandtourism brandinginthedevelopmentofChinatownhavetriggeredaseriesofissuesrelated tocommunityidentity,particularlythesignificantdilutionofthelocalcultureof southernChineseimmigrants.Intheremodelingplans,Chinatownwastaskedwith presentingasettingthatshowcasesChineseculture,protectingandmarketingitas ahistoricaldistrictcharacterizedbyChineseelements.In1998,theSingapore TourismBoard'sdevelopmentplanaimedtocreateamanufacturedChinese environmentfortouristsbyredesigningthemedstreets,elementalgardens,and streetscapesettingstoprovidevisualelementsthatmakevisitorsfeelliketheyare inaspecial(Chinese)place(Chiaetal.,2000).Althoughthisplanwasnot implemented,thecurrentconstructionofTang-styletemplesanddecorative systemsintheChinatownareashowscertaindiscrepanciesinthemarket positioningandtourismbrandingappliedtoChinatown,erasingthelocalityand uniquenessofSingapore'sChinatownidentityandculture,anddamagingthe community'soriginalculturaltextureanddeephistoricalconnections Resulthistoricalintegrityandculturaldiscontinuity:Thegovernment’srobust
supportforarchitecturalheritagehasensuredthepreservationofbuildingsthat embodyhistoricalandsomesocialvalues,suchasimmigranthistoryandcultural commercediversity.However,deficienciesinpublicdevelopmentprojectsand misstepsinmarketpositioningandtourismbrandinghaveledtosuperficial historicalnarrativesanddiminishedtheoriginalculturalidentityinChinatown, affectingthepreservationofsocialvalueslinkedtotheidentityofitsprimarily southernChineseimmigrants
Inamarket-drivenenvironmentlackingsubstantialsupportforintangibleheritage andtraditionalindustries,alongwithinsufficientcontrolsoncommercialactivities, localintangibleassetsstruggletobepreservedordeeplyexplored,affectingthe preservationofsocialvaluesassociatedwithtraditionalsocio-economicstructures, crafts,andvibrantstreetculture.Moreover,theabsenceofstrategiesforresidential functionalityandcommunityintegrationfurtherunderminescommunityidentity andlocalmemory,impactingthepreservationofsocialvalueslinkedtotraditional socialstructures,economicsystems,crafts,andtheimmigrantidentity
9.1.1.Similarities:TheHistoricalValueEmbodiedinArchitectureCanbe PreservedRelativelyIntact
ThesuccessfulpreservationofhistoricalbuildingsinbothSanfangQixiangand Chinatowndemonstratestheeffectiveroleofgovernmentinmaintainingthe
historicalvaluecarriedbyarchitecture,withintheframeworksofgovernment-led market-assistedmodelandmarket-ledgovernment-assistedmodel.Inbothcases, stringentplanning,legalprotections,andfinancialinvestmentshavebeencrucial.
SanfangQixianghasimplementeddetailedpreservationplanssupportedby governmentregulations,establishingstrictconservationpoliciesandfunding, managedbygovernmentalcommitteesandstate-ownedenterprisesChinatown’s strategyhasinvolvedlegalprotectionforsignificantareasandbuildings, governmentacquisitionofdilapidatedbuildingsforrestoration,andincentivesfor privateownerparticipationThesecomprehensivestrategieshaveensuredthe physicalpreservationofhistoricalbuildingsandmaintainedtheirdeepcultural valuesinbothlocations.
9.1.2.Differences:MoreComprehensiveHistoricalInterpretationinSanfang Qixiang
SanfangQixiang,operatingunderagovernment-ledmarket-assistedmodel,has focusedonpublicdevelopment,creatingmultiplemuseumsandexhibitionspaces tonarratelocalhistoricalandculturalfigures.Conversely,Chinatown’smarket-led government-assistedapproachhasstruggledwithlimitedlandresources,makingit difficulttoestablishsufficientpublicmuseumsandexhibitionspaces.Additionally, Chinatownlacksadequatecomprehensiveplanninginthepresentationand explanationofhistory,leadingtoamorefragmenteddisplayofhistoricalstories, whichfailstoformasystematicframeworkforhistoricaleducationandcultural transmission
9.1.3.Similarities:RoomforImprovementinHistoricalNarration Despiteprogress,bothSanfangQixiangandChinatownhavesignificantroomfor improvementinhistoricalnarrationSanfangQixiang’sexhibitionspacessuffer fromlimitedaccessibilityandoutdated,staticdisplaysThepolicyframeworkand managementlackpreciserequirementsforoperationalqualityandcontent,which constrainsimprovementsinexhibitionqualityFinancialpressuresandprofit motivesalsoaffectitspublicdevelopment,prioritizingcommercialactivitiesover improvingexhibitquality Chinatownfacessimilarchallenges,withhistoricaldisplaysnotfullyreflectingits complexhistoryandculturalbackground.Themarket-ledgovernment-assisted approachhasledtoinsufficientattentiontopublicheritageprojectsanda tendencytocatertotourismneeds,oftenoverlookingordilutingnon-mainstream historicalnarratives.Thisfurtherweakensthedepthanddiversityofhistorical interpretationinthearea.
9.2.PreservationandInterpretationofSocialValue
9.2.1.Similarity:InadequatePreservationandInterpretationofSocialValues RelatedtoSocialCohesion
IntherenewalanddevelopmentofSanfangQixiangandChinatown,bothareas facedchallengesinpreservingandarticulatingsocialvaluesrelatedtosocial cohesionSanfangQixiang'sgovernment-led,market-assistedstrategyeffectively
protectedphysicalandhistoricalheritagebutfellshortinpromotingcommunity engagementandaddressingtheneedsoforiginalresidents.Itlackedsufficient considerationforrepatriatingresidents,residentialplanning,andlocal involvement,negativelyimpactingcommunityvitalityConversely,Chinatown’s market-led,government-assistedmodelprioritizedattractingtouristsand investorsoverservingthelocalcommunity,overlookinglocalparticipationand compressinglivingspacesforresidentsItalsolackedeffectivepoliciesfor involvingthelocalcommunityinrenewalplansThesecasesshowthatwhileeach area 'srenewalstrategyhasspecificfocuses,neitherhassuccessfullybalanced historicalpreservationwithcommunitydevelopment,underscoringtheneedto enhancecommunityparticipationandculturalcontinuity.
9.2.2.Difference:MoreComprehensivePreservationofIntangibleCultural HeritageinSanfangQixiang
SanfangQixiangdemonstratedcomprehensiveresultsinpreservingand articulatingintangibleculturalheritageduetoitsgovernment-led,market-assisted model.Theareasawamoresystematicpreservationoftime-honoredbrandsand traditionalcrafts,supportedbyextensivegovernmentsurveysofculturalcontent. Protectionmeasuresincludedvenuesupportandfinancialsubsidiesforartisans, whichrelievedfinancialpressuresandencouragedthecontinuationand developmentoftraditionalarts,therebyenrichingtheregion'sculturalvitalityand diversity
9.2.3.Similarity:SignificantRoomforImprovementinthePreservationand ArticulationofIntangibleHeritage-relatedSocialValues
BothSanfangQixiangandChinatownhavesignificantgapsinpreservingand articulatingsocialvaluesrelatedtointangibleheritageInSanfangQixiang, intangibleheritageoftensurvivesonlyinmuseums,lackingavibrantcommercial environmentforactivetransmissionThisisduetolimitedgovernmentsupport evenunderagovernment-led,market-assistedmodel,wherepolicyand managementissuesandprofit-drivenbusinessmodelsfailtosustaintraditional industriessufficientlyInChinatown,underamarket-ledmodel,competition restrictsspacefortraditionalindustriesandintangibleheritage,withgovernment supportlackingineffectivelyintegratingandpreservingtheseculturalelements.
9.2.4.Similarity:InsufficientExplorationofSocialValuesAssociatedwith UniqueCulturalIdentitySymbols
InbothSanfangQixiangandChinatown,despitetheirrichculturalandhistorical backgrounds,thereisinsufficientexplorationandarticulationofsocialvalues associatedwithuniqueculturalidentitysymbols.InSanfangQixiang,thisissueis primarilyseenintheinadequaterepresentationofthescholar-officialcultureand literarycommunityplatforms.Whilemanyliteratiresidencesarepreserved, suggestingprotectionofculturalheritage,theeducationalandculturalfunctions withintheareaaredeclining,strugglingtoactivelyservethecommunity'scultural exchangeandeducationalneedsThisismainlybecausetherenewalstrategyis overlyfocusedoneconomicreturns,andprofit-drivenbusinessmanagementhas
marginalizedculturalfunctions,hinderingthedeepdisplayofuniquecommunity culturalidentitiesandtherealizationofeducationalvalue. Similarly,inChinatown,thesymbolicrepresentationoftheareaandtheidentityof theSouthChineseimmigrantcommunityhasalsonotbeenfullyreflectedWiththe massexodusoftheoriginalinhabitantsandtheweakeningoftraditionalindustries undermarketcompetition,theculturalidentityoftheareahasbeenimpacted Market-drivenrenewalmodelsprioritizeeconomicbenefits,oftenoverlookingthe protectionandheritageofculturalassetsThishasledtothegradualdilutionofthe originalculturalfeaturesoftheSouthChineseimmigrantcommunityinChinatown, withtheuniquenessandcomplexityoftheseculturesfailingtobeeffectively maintainedandcommunicatedduringtherenewalprocess.
9.2.5.Difference:GeneralizationandAlienationofSocialValuesRelatedto UniqueCulturalIdentitySymbols
InChinatown,asignificantissueisthegeneralizationandalienationoftheunique culturalidentityanditsassociatedsocialvalueswithinthecommunity.Thisarea, originallycharacterizedbythecultureofSouthChineseimmigrants,isgradually becominggeneralizedintoamoreubiquitous"generic"Chinesecharacteristic, lackingspecificregionalfeatures.Thischangeisprimarilyreflectedintheselection ofcommercialbusinesstypesandtherecentadditionofarchitecturaland decorativeelements
Thisgeneralizationandalienationofculturalidentityarepartlyduetothe market-led,government-supportedrenewalmodeladoptedinChinatown.Under thismodel,thereisnodirectrestrictionontheintroductionofbusinesstypes, whichoftenfailtoadequatelyconsidertheprotectionandstrengtheningofthe region'soriginalculturalfeaturesandaremoredrivenbymarketdemandsand economicinterestsMoreover,tocatertothetouristmarketandshapea tourist-friendlyimage,thereisatendencytochooseculturalelementsthatare attractivetotourists,easytounderstandandconsume,ratherthanthosethattruly reflectthedeephistoricalandculturalcharacteristicsoftheareaAlthoughthis approachmayincreasetheregion'seconomicvitalityintheshortterm,inthelong run,itcoulddiminishthecommunity'sculturaluniquenessandaffecttheoriginal inhabitantsandlong-termresidents'identificationwiththeirownculturalidentity.
10.Conclusionandsuggestion
10.1.ProsandConsoftheGovernment-led,Market-assistedRenewalModel SanfangQixiang'sgovernment-led,market-assistedmodeloffersstrengthssuchas thoroughpreservationofhistoricalarchitecture,supportedbystrictgovernment planning,legalsafeguards,andfunding,ensuringtheintegrityofthebuilding heritages.Italsopromotespublicwelfarethroughmuseumsandexhibitions, enhancingintangibleculturalheritageprotectionHowever,itsdrawbacksinclude outdatededucationalcontentandlimitedgovernmentreachindailyoperations, leadingtoconflictsbetweenpublicwelfareandcommercialinterestsand
insufficientcommunityculturalengagement.
10.2.ProsandConsoftheMarket-led,Government-assistedRenewalModel
Chinatown'smarket-led,government-assistedmodelhasadvantageslikeflexible historicalbuildingpreservation,whereprivateownerincentiveshelpmaintain authenticitywhileadaptingforcommercialuse,boostingeconomicvitality However,itfaceschallengeslikeover-commercializationthatneglectscultural depth,prioritizingeconomicgainsoverculturalvalues,andalackofcommunity involvement,wherelocalvoicesareoverlooked,diminishingresidents'connection andparticipation.Furthermore,thelimitedgovernmentalsupportinthismodel restrictsthesurvivaloflow-profittraditionalcultures,necessitatingamore comprehensivestrategytobalanceeconomicdevelopmentwithcultural preservationandcommunityengagement.
10.3.GovernmentasaGuidingbutNotDecisiveForce
FromthecasesofSanfangQixiangandChinatown,thesignificantyetlimitedroleof governmentinguidingurbanrenewalandculturalheritagepreservationcouldbe observed.SanfangQixiang'sgovernment-ledmodelstressedcertaincultural explorationandpublicwelfare,alongwithsystematichistoricalbuildingprotection. Chinatown'sgovernment-assistedmodelalsomanagedtoprotectarchitectural heritageeffectively Yet,underChinatown'smarket-ledmodel,thesignificantinfluenceofmarketforces onculturalexpressionandeconomicstructurerevealedthelimitsofgovernment
guidance.InSanfangQixiang,despitedeepergovernmentinvolvement,issueslike inflexiblepoliciesandoutdatedcontenthinderedtheprotectionofdeepercultural heritage.Theseexampleshighlightthatachievinglong-termculturaland communitygoalsdemandseffectivegovernment-marketcoordinationtoensure culturalheritageadaptstoeconomicandsocialchanges
10.4.ProfoundImpactofMarketEntitiesonHistoricalandSocialValues
Marketentitiesprofoundlyinfluencethepreservationandinterpretationof historicalandsocialvaluesbyaffectingculturalauthenticity,historicalintegrity, diversity,andthecommercializationofculturaldisplays.Themarket'stendencyto maximizeprofitscanoverlycommercializehistoricalheritage,impactingcultural authenticityandintegrity.Forinstance,inChinatown,themarket-ledmodelmight simplifycomplexhistoricalnarrativestoboosttourismandrevenue,undermining culturaldiversityanddepth.Marketorientationcanalsoneglectintangiblecultural heritage,especiallywhentraditionalcraftscan'tgeneratedirecteconomicreturns, riskingmarginalizationoftheseelements.Furthermore,marketmechanismscan causeculturalidentitiestogeneralize,asseeninChinatownwhereuniquecultural traitsarereplacedbyagenericChineseidentity,weakeningcommunityuniqueness andculturalidentificationofresidents.InSanfangQixiang,similarmarket influencescandiluteuniqueculturalidentities,leadingtocommercializedcultural displaysthatdiminishthedepthandcomprehensivenessofculturalpresentations
10.5.CommunityInvolvementandLocalPoliciesareExtremelyNeglected
InthecasesofSanfangQixiangandChinatown,communityinvolvementandlocal policyareoftenoverlooked,leadingtodecreasedcommunitycohesionandcultural alienation.Bothareassufferfromalackofcommunityengagementandinadequate considerationoftheneedsoforiginalresidents,affectingcommunityvitalityand continuityInChinatown,themarket-ledrenewalstrategyprimarilycatersto touristsandinvestors,pushingasidelocalresidentsandallowingtheunique SouthernChineseculturaltraitstobereplacedbyamoregeneric"Chinese"culture, underminingthecommunity'suniquenessFurthermore,thepreservationand disseminationofculturalheritageinbothlocationsarecompromiseddueto insufficientcommunityparticipation,asexemplifiedbyChinatown'sfragmented historicalnarratives.Theseissueshighlightthecriticalneedtostrengthen communityinvolvementandapplylocalpoliciesinheritagepreservationand culturalarticulation,ensuringthatrenewalinitiativesalignwithresidentneeds andrespectlocalculturalidentities,whileeffectivelysafeguardingandtransmitting culturalheritage.
10.6.SuggestionsandImplications
1)Establishandstrengthenamulti-stakeholdercollaborationplatform: Institutionssuchasheritagetrustsshouldbeestablishedforpublic-private cooperationtocoordinatebetweengovernmentandmarketforces,encouraging privateinvestorsandbusinessestoparticipateintherestorationandreuseof historicbuildings,adheringtohistoricalpreservationstandards
2)Innovatecommunityparticipationmodels:Enhanceresidents'sayand involvementinheritageconservationandarearenewalthroughcommunityforums, workshops,andparticipatorybudgetingsystemstoachievetruly community-drivendevelopment
3)Improvegovernmentregulatorymechanismsandenhanceflexibilityinthe government'srole:Thegovernmentshouldintensifyregulationtoensuremarket activitiesdonoterodethevalueofculturalheritage,especiallyinprotecting intangibleculturalheritage,whereactivemeasuresareneededtosupport traditionalcraftsandculturalactivitiesThegovernmentshouldadapttoeconomic andsocialchangeswhilemaintainingthematerialintegrityofheritageand promotethemodernuseofculturalheritage.
4)Increaserentsubsidies:Providerentsubsidiestobusinesseswithheritagevalue tohelpnewenterprisessurviveeconomicpressuresandprotectcommercial entitieswithhistoricalandculturalsignificance.
5)Promotetheintegrationofintangibleculturalheritagewithcontemporarylife: Encouragetheintegrationoftraditionalcraftsandperformingartswithmodern lifestylesthroughpolicyandfinancialsupport.
6)Increasethecommercialviabilityoftraditionalindustries:Promotethe combinationoftraditionalcommerceandhandicraftswithtourismandlocal experiencestoenhancemarketvisibility,andencouragetheuseofdigitalmeansto
7)Updateeducationalanddisplaycontent:Bothgovernmentandmarketshould investinongoingcontentupdatesandtechnologicalinnovationstoimprovethe qualityofdisplaysandeducationThisincludesusingmoderntechnologieslike virtualrealityandaugmentedrealitytopresenthistoricalstoriesandcultural featuresinnovelways,attractingtheparticipationandinterestofyounger generations Throughthesemeasures,whilemaintaininghistoricalheritageconservation, sustainabledevelopmentforthelocalcommunityandeconomyshouldalsobe achieved.Bothgovernmentandmarketneedtoworktogethertofindthebest modelforcollaboration,ensuringlong-termcommunitybenefitsandcultural vitality.
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ListofFiguresandTables
Table1:Summaryofvaluedimensionsandattributes
Source:Ho,P,JoshiN,&Yzelman,L(2019)HeritageStudyoftheOldPolice Academy.
Table2:TenancyfiguresofKretaAyerin2015and2017
Source:Toh,A.W.W,Chee,W.J.,Lai,J.Q,Aziz-Boey,N.M,Tan,H.F,Matthias,C, &Chiam,V,H,T.(2017).SafeguardingintangibleculturalheritageinChinatown: Threats&Strategies(LeeKuanYewSchoolofPublicPolicy'sPolicyAnalysis Exercise).
Figure1:SangfangQixianglayout
Source:https://www.sohu.com/a/150765176349434
Figure2:LinJuemin'sFormerResidence,BingXin'sFormerResidence
Source:https://wwwccdigovcn/yaowen/202010/t20201009226764html
Figure3:formerNanhouStreet,afamouslanternstreet
Source:https://www.sohu.com/a/150765176349434
Figure:4FujianIntangibleCulturalHeritageMuseuminSanfangQixiang,the external
Source:https://www.sohu.com/a/437370697266026
Figure5:FujianIntangibleCulturalHeritageMuseuminSanfangQixiang,the internal
Source:https://m.ctrip.com/webapp/you/tripshoot/paipai/detail/detail?articleId =25475360&isHideNavBar=YES&seo=0&twojumpwakeup=0&allianceId=1049189 &sid=19855591
Figure6:Chinatownhistoricdistrictarea
Source:URA
https://wwwuragovsg/-/media/Corporate/Guidelines/Conservation/CombinedHistDist-ConsPlans.pdf
Figure7:Chinatownshophouses
Source:https://fulltimeexplorercom/exploring-chinatown-singapore/
Figure8:Jamae(Chulia)Mosque
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MasjidJamae
Figure9:SagoStreet
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SagoStreet
Figure10:theFormerLaiChunYuen
Source:https://royalgroupsg/wp2019/royal-lcy-sg/
Figure11:Night-timeviewoftheChinatownBazaarin1970s
Source:https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1181018
