Doctoral School 2019

Preservation and Sustainable Development of

Historic Personality’s Residence

A Case Study within Jinan in Urbanization Context

- Doctoral Thesis -

Presented by

Ph.D. Candidate Xuan Jin

Supervised by

prof.dr.arh. Augustin Ioan

September, 2019

Abstract: Historic personality’s residence is an important memorial heritage. However, due to misunderstanding and inappropriate interpretation, their situation is not optimistic with respect to the protection and usage, especially under the pressures of modern urbanization. In view of this phenomenon, integrating a holistic sustainable development strategy into the protection and utilization practice of these notable residences is a vital issue. Through study the historical personalities’ residences in Jinan, this research produces practical methods for preserving and developing historical personalities’ residences as memorials, and finally demonstrates practical suggestions for other historical cities which attempt to sustain their cultural heritages within a modern urbanization process.

Keywords: Historical Personality’s Residence, Architectural Heritage, Urbanization, Preservation, Utilization, Sustainable Development, Jinan

1. Introduction1.1 Research Background

Throughout human history, countless personalities have played important roles in the development of our society through technology, art, culture, economic, and other fields. After those personalities passed away, their former residences become the best places to commemorate their accomplishments, to display the examples of their work, to experience their living conditions and to feel their spirit. These houses, no matter large or small, luxurious or shabby, are the places where these notable people lived and relative events have occurred. Preserving these homes and their surrounding area properly can create an excellent opportunity for developing local culture, creating unique local identity, promoting ecologic sustainability, benefiting the local economy, and eventually improving a healthy development of whole social. However, urbanization causes numerous problems which may threaten these historic personalities’ residences, causing degradation even ultimate destruction of the site.

1.1.1 UrbanizationOur world is undergoing increased urbanization at an unprecedented rate. In 1950,

only 30% of the world’s population was located in an urban environment, and by 2050, 68% of the world’s population is projected to be urbanized.1 In China, “by 2020, Chinese urbanization level will reach 60%.”2 Densification, heavy traffic, environmental degradation, overburdened infrastructure increase pressure on our living space. “The conflicting of new urban construction versus cultural heritage protection are extremely significant.”3 As a historical cultural city, Jinan is facing severe contradiction of

1 United Nations, UN World Urbanization Prospects, 2018.2 Shan Jixiang, Urbanization and Cultural Heritage Protection, 2006, P8.3 Shan Jixiang, Urbanization and Cultural Heritage Protection, 2006, P13.

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traditional residences preservation versus modern urban planning in the ongoing urbanization process.

1.1.2 Cultural SustainabilitySustainable development has been a significant issue since 1987. The Millennium

Declaration identified sustainable development with economic development, social development and environmental protection4. Since 2010, Cultural diversity has become the new element of a sustainability strategy, which is “not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence.”5 Therefore, protecting heritage is not limited to the preservation of the building itself, but to the protection and development of the related culture and spirit.

1.1.3 Cultural Sustainability of Architectural HeritageAs a part of the cultural heritage, architectural heritage is not only a material

heritage, but also a property of intangible cultural heritage, including the site selection ideology, construction technology, the stories that occurred in historical buildings and the special cultural atmosphere on the surrounding. These cultures endow the buildings with infinite vitality in the continuous development of our society.

However, with the constant updating of various complex elements in a modern lifestyle, the cultural sustainability of architecture heritage is a big issue. The destruction of the original surroundings, the unreasonable usage of the buildings, and the reconstruction of architectural elements has caused the loss of the authenticity and its related tangible and intangible culture. Without historical culture, architectural heritage is only a functional space, accommodating a different type of usage. Once the function cannot adapt, the building will be replaced very easily.

1.2 Research Focus: Historic Personalities’ Residence in JinanJinan, a more than 2200-year historic city, is the capital of Shandong Province.

According to the statistics produced by the Archaeological Institute, there were 46 former residences of historical personalities in Jinan. However, with the rapid development of Chinese urbanization in recent years, there is a fierce conflict between the requirements of city modernization and the preservation of traditional architectures. Especially traditional dwellings are frequently removed, including historic significant residences. Currently, there are only 10 historical residences remaining, and their situation of protection and utilization is not optimistic. Faced with these problems, developing proper strategies that offer guidance for their preservation and utilization with respect to ongoing urban development is essential.

4 United Nations, United Nations Millennium Declaration, 2000.5 UNESCO, Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001.

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1.3 Research ObjectivesThe remaining historical personalities’ memorial residences in Jinan are facing

serious threats. How are we to sustain the surroundings of these memorial residences? How can we properly restore the residences with correct techniques and methods? How to make full use of the residences considering the sustainable perspective? How can we retain and develop the memorial residences’ historical and cultural uniqueness, and improve the local identity? The goal of this research is to establish a theoretical framework for the preservation and sustainable development program, creating as memorials for any historic personalities’ residences in the city of Jinan with respect to current urbanization level.

1.4 Research MethodologyThe way the historic personalities’ residences are interpreted is key to their proper

preservation and usage. How do we understand and interpret these homes? How can we properly preserve and develop them? As the famous French philosopher Paul Ricoeur said “What is sought is no longer an intention hidden behind the text, but a world unfolded in front of it.” 6 This interpretational concept is the core of modern hermeneutics. Modern hermeneutics as a qualitative methodology paradigm of humanities science that will provide us the possible understanding and interpretation process, and produce reasonable research methods for the preservation and development of these valuable residences.

2. The Development of the Protection Policies of Architectural Heritage2.1 International Policies of Architectural Heritage

Historic architecture is recognized as an important sector in the heritage field because of its unique attributes, values and significance. With the development of international heritage policies, the content of architectural heritage protection has been continuously expanded from single building to groups and whole area. The protection method has also been continuously deepened, from passive rescue, maintenance to emphasis the revitalization and sustainable development which can actively integrated these heritages with contemporary life. Meanwhile, the role of intangible culture which played in architectural heritage revitalizaiton was awared gradualy.2.2 Chinese Policies of Architectural Protection

China’s wood-framed historic architecture has its own characteristics different from that of Western architecture. The craftsmen have accumulated a wealth of conservation concepts and technologies suitable for oriental architectural features over time. Chinese conservation policy has experienced several stages. In this process, the understanding of the scope of cultural heritage preservation is constantly expanding, and the degree of protection is constantly deepening. With the introduction of international heritage conservation policy, Chinese government developed its own conservation principle which adapted to international policy with regards to traditional Chinese conservation experiences, and formed unique concepts on authenticity and integrity, as well as the 6 Paul Ricoeur, Hermeneutics and Human Sciences, 1981, p93.

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different conservation methods. However, in this process, the protection policies of Chinese architectural heritage protection are still facing many problems in the hierarchical management system, heritage usage and public participation, and so forth.

3. Historical Personality’s Residence and its Protection Policies3.1 Definition and Value

The former residences of historical personalities are places where well-known people once lived. But, what kind of people are they? Whose house should be preserved? In numerous houses a notable person lived during his or her life, which houses are worthy of preservation? According to the Blue Plaque scheme7 for protecting these famous historic residences in the United Kingdom, ‘significant public standing’, ‘important positive contribution’, ‘exceptional public recognition’, ‘eminent’, ‘distinguished’, and ‘at least 20 years deceased’ are the key requirements for defining an important historic personality. The protected residences are usually their primary dwellings which “have been a significant period, in length of time or in importance, within their life and work”. At the same time, these former residences should still keep their original characteristics instead of being radically altered.

Although most former residences are very ordinary or rundown structures, to preserve and develop them still have an important impact for present and future of our society. They are the cultural resources of a locality which helps to constitute the local identity, thereby promoting the sustainable development of local culture, economy, society and eco-environment. The local inhabitants feel proud of these irreplaceable heritages and get high spiritual impetus from that.

3.2 The Worldwide Historical Personalities’ ResidencesThere are countless notable personalities in the world. The protection of their

contributions, their experience and spirit are mostly related to the protection of their former residences. These residences preservation and usage status vary from country to country. There are some famous residences are taken to be the local cultural heritages which have survived for centuries, been well preserved and developed, becoming famous tourist destinations, attracting people from all over the world.

Interestingly, the former residence is not only a commemoration of famous historic personalities which were really exist. The characters in some famous novels even have their homes in the real world for their fans to visit and experience. For example, Sherlock Holmes Memorial in London, former Residence of Romeo, Verona in Italy.

3.3 Chinese Protection Policy on Historic Personality’s ResidenceDue to their great impact on the development of culture, society, economy and

ecological environment, the former residences of notable personalities in China have

7 Blue plaques scheme was founded 1866, which celebrates the links between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked. It was run successively by the (Royal) Society of Arts, the London County Council and the Greater London Council. Since 1986, it was run by English Heritage.

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gradually become important cultural heritage. The protection of personalities’ residences is initially spontaneous. Vast majority of historical personalities’ residences are brilliant historic buildings with courtyards or gardens. However, after the Cultural Revolution, these residences were confiscated and distributed to civilians. Most of them became the large mixed yard where many families live together.

In 1982, article 2 in the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Protection of Cultural Relics pointed out that “typical buildings that are related to major historical events, revolutionary movements or famous personalities and that are highly memorable or are of great significance for education or for the preservation of historical data”8should be protected as the cultural relics. Since then, the protection of the historic figures’ residences rises to the level of the national constitution. In 2006, the China Museum Association established the Professional Committee of Historic Personalities’ Residence, which specialized in the overall management of these famous residences throughout the country. Local governments start investigating the residence of local historic personalities, and some cities have compiled regulations on the protection and utilization of these residences. 4. The Status of Historical Personalities’ Residences in Jinan

With the increase of population, traffic pressure, infrastructure modernization and commercial development, at the end of the 20th century, the Jinan ancient town has been hit by an unprecedented impact. The constant creation of new buildings and spaces is at the expense of demolition of historical heritage and destruction of natural resources. Many historic personalities’ residences were destroyed during the urban construction. Currently, there are only a few historical residences remaining. Although these famous houses listed as the key official protected cultural relics, their preservation status, protection concept, preserving technology, currently usage are not optimistic:

Lack of legislation; Complex property rights; Poor management; Backward protection concepts; Backward preservation technologies; Usage does not Honor the Heritage Value; Lack of funding; Lack of public awareness.

5. Sustainable Development Strategy of Historical Personality’s Residence in Jinan

The residences of historic personalities are precious cultural heritage, but they are also the functional spaces in contemporary society. As a witness of the history, these residences should be scientifically verified and strictly protected. At the same time, as part of contemporary life, these residences are inevitably reinterpreted and utilized by different 8 Law of the People’s Republic of China on Protection of Cultural Relics, 1982.

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people. But this situation is not an obstacle to their protection and inheritance of cultural value. On the contrary, only in harmony with the development of the society and civic life, can a cultural heritage develop a new life and become an inseparable part of the contemporary society. The sustainable development that adapts to change while maintains the historic characteristics can make these famous residences full of vitality.

5.1 Sustainable DevelopmentIn 2000, the Millennium Declaration identified sustainable development with

economic development, social development and environmental protection.9 Since 2010, cultural diversity has been considered as an important aspect of sustainable development. Cultural sustainable development strategies require people not only to preserve the irreplaceable cultural heritage and keep the cultural diversity, but make full use of them in contemporary society, and develop them adapting to the needs of the future. The sustainability of these former residences embodies four aspects: environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability.

5.2 General Sustainable Strategies on Historical Personalities’ Residences in Jinan5.2.1 Strengthen the Sustainability of the Eco-environment

The former residences of historic personalities in Jinan are mostly located in the historic area of the city centre. With a large floating population, high building density, heavy traffic, and other issues, the ecological environment impacts the image of heritage sites. Therefore, formulating ecological environmental protection measures will help to improve the building quality and cultural atmosphere of these residences.

5.2.2 Improving Social GovernanceEntering the 21st century, Jinan has steadily grown into a larger metropolis with a

complex social structure. Large scale of development, disorderly urban environment and the instability for social security will present huge risks for historic areas, including personalities’ former residences. Formulating political policies, urban planning, and social security measures centering on historical protection are key factors to sustain theses residences.5.2.3 Promoting the Economy of Historical Personalities’ Residences

A good historical and cultural environment can attract investment, promote the local economy and ensure stability in better quality job opportunities. Therefore, the local economy can be developed from excavating, exerting and utilizing local history and culture. Through this viable, long-term economic operation, historic personalities’ former residences will become a sustainable financial resource for their preservation and development.

5.3 Specific Protection Strategies Concerning Cultural Sustainability

9 The General Assembly, United Nations Millennium Declaration. United Nations, 2000.

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Given that these historic personalities’ residences are mostly ordinary and even dilapidated, it suggests that the main reason for their continued protection is their cultural value. The history, life and work experiences, the significance of the individuals that lived there are the foundation of each residence, and provide the ultimate goal for the protection of such residences. Therefore, it is vital to explore the specific preservation and development methods that can be implemented with regard to cultural sustainability of the historic personalities’ former residences in Jinan.5.3.1 Tangible Cultural Sustainability

Preservation of the physical elements are the foundation for the cultural sustainability of historic personalities’ residences. From building form, layout, structure, materials, decoration, construction techniques, interior furnishings, outdoor courtyards, and spatial relationships are all elements of tangible heritage. Authenticity and integrity are the fundamental principles for the protection of them. 5.3.1.1 Preventive Conservation

Preventive conservation is an effective way of ensuring the authenticity and integrity of these historic residences in Jinan. By monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating preventive techniques, preventive conservation methods can prevent potential problems in advance. The preservation activities for historic personalities’ residences involve exterior maintenance, regular structural inspection and reinforcement, interior maintenance, material preservation, appearance cleaning, waterproof and moisture-proof measures, seismic analysis, insulation and energy conservation.5.3.1.2 Cultural Sustainable Conservation after the Damage

Different from ordinary architectural heritage, the essence of historic personalities’ residences is to commemorate well-known individuals. The original appearance of the former residence, interior, environment, etc. is the basis of commemoration and the foundation of cultural sustainability. Trying to repair the building while keeping to the original cosmetic and material status according to primary sources of information is the principle for their protecting. The methods utilized in the restoration of restoring historic personalities’ residence are embodied in several aspects, including the residential layout, architectural structure, material, interior, and surroundings. Residential Layout Sustainability

The cultural sustainability of historic personalities’ residences is reflected in the authenticity and integrity of the layout. The layout and spatial relationship of buildings and the courtyards must be maintained. Architectural Structure Sustainability

The original building structures must be preserved according to the appearance of the residences when the notable individuals lived there. Material Sustainability

The authenticity and integrity of the materials used in these residences is important to correctly sustain residential heritage and culture. Interior Sustainability

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The original interior layout, decoration, furnishings and atmosphere can to some extend demonstrate the life experiences and the feature of personalities, which should not be subjectively changed. Surrounding Sustainability

Environmental elements such as water, vegetation, rocks, traditional folk customs, specific means of transportation that affected the life and work of personalities, are all vital factors forming a distinct and personal culture which should be specifically preserved. Those new environmental elements that have been added due to the needs of modern life should be designed to reflect historic personalities’ culture, integrating this residential heritage and culture into the new era.

5.3.2 Intangible Culture SustainabilitySustaining intangible culture, to some extent, can be considered as the final aim for

preserving tangible artifacts. Unlike other architectural heritage, intangible cultural factors of historic personalities’ residences especially play a vital role in their cultural sustainability. Historic Events Memorial

Commemorating historical events through popular art forms, multimedia interactive technologies for example, will not only improve the artistic effect of display, enhance the interest of the participating public, but also strengthen the historical and cultural atmosphere and deepen the public’s feeling of spirit and integration. Cultural Activities Management

Management office should actively plan and regularly organize public activities which combine historic personalities’ culture and modern life to enrich the public’s involvement, thereby raising public awareness of these residential heritage sites bring to the wider cultural environment. Historic Brand Creation and Broaden

Carefully re-using these residences and fully integrating their unique historical and cultural characteristics with modern uses is vital for their intangible culture sustainability, thereby promoting historic personalities’ significant, creating historic personalities’ brand, spreading their spirit to impact modern life, and eventually improving the value of these residences and continuing the life of their cultural identity.

Sense of Place Historic personalities’ culture is an integral part of the sense of place, forming a

special local spirit with comprehensive historical and cultural value, which will in turn be integrated into a better formation of community spirit, contributing to residents’ sense of pride and belonging.

6. Contribution and ConclusionThere is no doubt that the historic personalities’ residences are a living archive and

an integral part of world cultural heritage, which can play a vital role in the development

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of local culture, economy, society and ecological environment. These residences should not be destroyed in any era or in any form. Considering the situation of urbanization in Jinan, it is essential to form the preserving and developing principles for historic personalities’ residences according to sustainable development strategy: Formulating Perfect Laws and Regulations for Protection Activities Tangible Residences Preservation Intangible Culture Interpretation Cultural and Ecological Surrounding Preservation and Development Sustainable Utilization Heritage Adapting to Public Needs Creating Sustainable Travel Resource Establishing Sustainable Finance System Sustainable Local Identity Public Participation

Although the architecture and environment of these former residences may be ordinary, even shabby, they can possess great historical and cultural significance, and they are the only places where the people can commemorate the personalities, thereby continently inspire the contemporary and the future generation to inherit their spirit and develop their contributions. Implementing sustainable strategies to their protection and development process will keep these heritage sites in good condition, thus strengthening the regional identity, enriching cultural diversity, and in turn playing a benign role in the process of cultural, social, economic and ecological sustainability.

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