-Beijing Hutong Conservation Plan-

Contents
Preface
Foreword
The Authors and Acknowledgments
Introduction
1.Object of this Project
2. Beijing Historic Inner City Overview
2.1 Geographical Setting
2.2 History

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

a) Occupancy and Ownership

a-1. Population
a-2. Living Space
a-3. Property
b) Building Condition
b-1. Condition
b-1-1. Common Structural Problems
b-1-2. Present State of Maintenance
b-2. Infrastructure and Facilities
Water

33
33
33
34
35
35
35
36
36
36

5.4.3 Population Adj

within the Communi
5.4.4 Work Required
5.5 Residents Direc
5.5.1 Planning and Im
5.5.2 Maintenance

6. Applying the Proj

6.1 Financing the Pr
6.2 Government Sup
6.3 Population Cont

2.3 Urban Structure

City Planning
Hutong
Various types of Buildings
Area feature Inner city
Area feature Outer city
2.4 Residential Buildings
2.5 Courtyard Houses in Modern Times
3. Present state of the old city
3.1 Beijing s Urban Development
Over the past 50 years
3.2 Dangers to the Old City
3.2.1 Natural Disasters
3.2.2 Damage and Development
3.3 Housing Reform and Weigai system21
3.4 Present Condition of Remaining
Historical Buildings
3.5 Management of the Old City
4. Social Survey and Conservation Studies
in Target Area
4.1 Introduction of the Three Target Areas
Zhong-Gulou Area
Yandai Xiejie Area
Chaodou Hutong Area
4.2 Survey Questions
4.3 Survey Results and Analysis

10
10
12
13
14
15
16
17

18
20
20
20
24
26

28
29
30
31
32
33

Sewage
37
Toilet
37
Hearting system
38
Extension Building
38
Living Space Improvement
39
b-3. Summary of Common Problems
40
c) Understanding the Hutong Community 41
d) Resident s Opinions Regarding
Conservation and Tourism
45
d-1. Conservation
45
d-2. Tourism in Hutong
46
4.4 Conclusion of the Survey
48
5. Pilot Project Plan for Rehabilitation of
Courtyard House and Community
5.1 Aim of Pilot Project
5.2 Structural Analysis
5.2.1 Historic Background
5.2.2 Population and Ownership
5.2.3 Space Arrangement
5.2.4 Present Facilities
5.2.5 Structural Problems
5.3 Cooperation between Residents,
Officials and Experts
5.4 Proposed Plan for Rehabilitation work
5.4.1 Rehabilitation & Rebuilding,
Courtyard NO.60
5.4.2 Rehabilitation & Utility Rooms Case,
Courtyard NO.58

49
50
50
51
51
53
53
54
55
55
56

6.4 Publicity
7. Conclusion
8. Sources
Credits

Preface
At present, the pre-eminent problem existing in our countrys urban construction is that some city
leaders only see the economic values of natural and cultural relics but know little about the historical,
scientific, cultural and artistic value of them. They seek only economic benefits and development while
neglecting protection, so damage to natural and cultural relics are occurring frequently. Some city
leaders simply deem the constructions of high-rise buildings as urban modernization while paying
insufficient attention to protection of natural scenes and historical and cultural relics. Their large-scale
dismantling and building during old city reconstruction have damaged many traditional districts and
buildings with historical and culture values. Som e other city leaders prefer to demolish true historical
relics and build false historical sites and artificial scenes. Though they have spent a large amount of
money the results are neither fish nor fowl. We must resolutely correct such wrong practices.

Quoted from a speech given by China State Council member Vice Premier Wen Jiabao at the
3rd representative conference of China Mayors Association, entitled How to properly handle
the relationship between the modernization of a city and the protection of historical relics.

The Authors
The authors lived in Beijing for a year before starting work on this plan. They have extensive experience of building restoration, including many years
working on the rehabilitation of central Lhasa. They have studied and visited similar rehabilitation projects in Berlin, Kathmandu and other Asian cities.

Acknowledgments
THF wishes to thank the Architecture Department of Tsinghua University for their co-operation in the research of this project, and for hosting
the conference, The Future of Old Beijing and the Conflict between Modernization and Preservation. THF also wishes to thank the
Embassies of Germany and France in Beijing, the Ecole Francaise dExtreme Orient EFEO, the Heinrich-Bll-Stiftung, MISEREOR and
UNESCO for their patronage, and the local government of Shi Cha Hai and the Beijing Planning Office for their cooperation

The Authors residencial courtyard in Beijing

Beijing Hutong Conservation Plan:

The future of Old Beijing and the conflict between modernization and preservation
Introduction
The topic of this plan is the conflict between the modernization of Beijing and the preservation of its cultural heritage. Over the past decade, rapid development
has lead to a remarkable improvement in the quality of life for many citizens. At the same time, however, much of the historic urban fabric of the capital has been
lost. Major roads now bisect ancient neighborhoods, whilst in many areas, recent redevelopment has wiped out the subtle architectural texture and spatial
arrangement of the preceding centuries. The atmospheric Hutong lanes, the traditional residential homes, and the Si-He-Yuan courtyard houses - all are fast
disappearing as the city races forwards into the 21st century. In recent years, the government has placed a number of Hutong lanes under protection, but what
exactly this protection means is not clear. Many Beijing people are now concerned that, at the current rate, redevelopment will soon engulf and destroy the
ancient courtyard houses forever. Groups and committees have formed to debate many of the practical issues surrounding redevelopment and conservation.
Can a city the size of Beijing afford to have one-storey housing at its centre? Arent the courtyard houses much too dilapidated, and lacking in comfort, to be
saved? How can the local resident community be protected from relocation? How can rights of ownership be balanced against the needs of commercial redevelopment? Whilst these questions are being discussed, the re-development goes relentlessly on.

Many cities worldwide have found that rehabilitation, rather than re-development, of historic urban districts brings considerable benefits. This plan
sets out to demonstrate that rehabilitation is also suitable for Beijing. The opinions of residents have been carefully researched and integrated
into the plan. Some of the solutions proposed are self-contained, and could be used for the rehabilitation of individual courtyard houses. In order
to preserve the character of a historic Beijing neighborhood, however, a larger cluster of Hutong neighborhoods must be targeted. This must be
done with considerable urgency before the incursion of more major roads destroys the Hutongs original urban context. The value of the Hutong
lies in the spatial arrangement as much or more than in the architecture of the individual courtyard house. Therefore, concerned parties must be
very clear from the outset about which remaining quarters of historic Beijing they intend to preserve.
Beijing is one of the worlds most important historical cities, with a unique ambience balancing ancient and modern. Having reached this point of balance,
Beijing planners must surely pause for thought. It would indeed be a great loss if this ancient capital were to become just another face-less mega-city.

1.Objectives of this Project

The objective of this project is to provide a concrete proposal for the conservation and subsequent rehabilitation of three of Beijings historic Hutong
quarters. The measures proposed could also be adopted for other neighborhoods, but the proposal focuses on the combined neighborhoods of
Shichahai, Zhong-Gulou and Nanluogu xiang. These areas are rare examples of intact historic residential areas now remaining in Beijing.

*
*
*
*
*
*

The principles behind the Conservation Plan are:

Preserving a maximum amount of the authentic historic building materials
Preserving the townscape and original historic setting of Si-He-Yuan type housing in the Hutong lanes
Retaining the current mixture of subsidised housing, private house ownership, commercial buildings and services
Working with existing resident community
Traffic regulation
Bringing living conditions up to an acceptable standard

What can we leave in Beijing Hutong???

2. Beijing Historic Inner City Overview

2.1 Geographical setting
Beijing is located on a flat plain on 39.56 north latitude and 116.2 east longitude, with hills to the northwest. Several natural and artificial lakes and
waterways within the central area are part of an ancient water-system bringing fresh water from Yu Quan Shan and providing recreational areas for the
residential districts. The climate varies, being cold in the winter (-10 degrees Celsius day-time average), whilst hot and humid in the summer.
Beijing city has 13 .6 million registered inhabitants. An additional estimated 3.8 million unregistered residents brings the total to 17.4 million people. The
historic area of Beijing, bounded by the former city walls, housed 1.75 million inhabitants at the last census (1990). The remaining historic Hutongs are
grouped in two main areas, with a total size of 62km2. The more important of the two is the 38 km 2 area originally contained by the old city walls.
These walls were replaced by the second ring road in the 1960s (the first ring-road refers to the walls of the former Imperial City, of which only some
fragments remain). The second historic location is the area known as the outer city. This 24km 2 area, located south of Qian Men gate, was originally
also a walled city. The target area of the Conservation Plan is located between the Forbidden City and the northern section of the second ring road.

Satellite picture of Forbidden city

2.2 History
Archaeological findings suggest that the site of modern Beijing has been inhabited continuously for more than 3000 years. Its
history as Chinas capital spans the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

In 936 Liao-Nanjing, on the site of modern Beijing, was

established as the most southerly of 5 Liao dynasty subcapitals. In 1153, under the name of Jin-Zhongdu, Beijing
rose to become the most prominent capital of the Jin
Dynasty In 1267, Kublai Khan ordered the transfer of the
Yuan dynastys capital from Mongolia to a site located by
north-east of the destroyed ruins of Jin-Zhongdu, naming it
Dadu. Dadu is regarded as the precursor of present-day
Beijing. After the fall of the Yuan dynasty, in 1368, DaduBeijing temporarily lost its capital status, when the new
Ming emperor moved the capital to Nanjing. The third Ming
emperor Zhu Di decided to reinstate the Dadu site as the
Ming capital, building a new capital there under the name
of BEIJING in 1421.

In 1644 the first emperor of the Qing dynasty, Shun

Zhi, decided to retain the capital in Beijing. Apart
from a brief period during the civil war, Beijing has
remained as the capital ever since. (Source:
BEIJING URBAN HISTORY AND GIOGRAPHY,
Beijing Yanshan Publication, by Hou Ren Zhi, 2000)
Liao-Nanjing

Jin-Zhongdu

Yuan-Dadu

Ming-Qing Beijing

2.3 Urban structure

City planning
The urban design of Beijings historic city is based on the Yuan Dynastys thirteenthcentury capital, Dadu. This makes Beijing one of the worlds oldest centrally-planned
cities, and an important living example of ancient Chinese city planning.
Principles for ancient Chinese urban planning, compiled towards the end of the Chun Qiu period
(BC770-BC476), favoured a rectangular street grid with a palace in the centre, surrounded by
temples and markets, and an auspicious number of 12 gates in different directions.
<Zhou Li Kao Gong Ji>

Development of Urban structure

This principle was followed in the Yuan dynasty when

Beijings historic Hutong grid pattern was laid down. The grid
was subsequently enlarged and adapted, taking its final
shape during the Qing Dynasty (1664-1911). The Yuan
courts central palace compound was located slightly to the
north of the present Forbidden City. It is a tradition that
dynasties build their own palaces and temples, and demolish
the old. According to archaeological research, the Coal Hill
(Jin Shan) is in fact the pile of rubble resulting from the
destruction of the Yuan dynasty palace.

Yuan-Dadu

10

Early Ming period

Middle Ming to Qing period

Beijing is laid out on a rectangular grid. The city

is bisected by its 7.8km north-south axis. In the
centre lies the palace complex of the Forbidden
City, flanked by four temples, one in each
cardinal direction. Yue Tan, Temple of the Moon,
stands to the West. Ri Tan, Temple of the Sun,
stands to the East. Di Tan, Temple of the Earth,
stands to the North, whilst Tian Tan, the Temple
of Heaven, stands to the South. The temples
location, established during the Ming Dynasty,
reflects Yin Yang Wu Xing, the ancient
philosophical school of the Five Elements. Yin
Yang Wu Xing also determined that the inner
city had 9 gates, whilst the outer city had 7.

Qing period urban founction

11

Hutong

A Hutong is a narrow lane. The term is believed to be

Mongolian in origin, since it first appears in Beijings Yuan
dynasty records. There are several theories about the
original meaning of the word, the most popular being that it
means water well. Yuan dynasty city plans show 3 types
of street, big streets (around 37.2m wide), small streets
(18.6m wide) and Hutongs (9.3m wide). Big streets and
Small streets mostly ran North-South, whilst the Hutong
lanes, mostly ran West-East.
Hutong lanes provide shelter from the wind and give a strong
sense of privacy. Originally, many trees were planted in the
courtyards, whilst more were planted later along the sides of the
Hutong lanes. Maps from the Qing Dynasty and the Republican
Era show that large numbers of important historic buildings,
such as temples and monasteries (Buddhist, Taoist,
Confucianist and local Deities) were once active throughout the
Hutong areas. Many of these still exist today although many
have been converted into housing.

Hutong alley
structure (Qianlong
map)

Banchang Hutong facade

Public Toilet
gate

Xiao men lou gate

men gate

Ruyi-men
Jinzhu-men
gate

GuangliangLocal community

office

Pass by bar

Western type gate

Guangliang-men gate

12

Various types of buildings

The remains of Yuan, Ming and Qing period street
patterns are of immense value to our knowledge of
historic Chinese urban planning, archaeology and
sociology. Beijing also retains thousands of historic
buildings of various types, from different periods,
contributing greatly to our knowledge of ancient
Chinese architecture. These structures include palaces,
imperial gardens, monasteries, temples, bridges,
residential buildings, European style buildings and
Revolutionary monuments from Chinas recent history.
Of particular note are the Imperial Palace complex from
the Qing and Ming dynasties, the temple of Tian Ning Si
from Liao dynasty, Bai Ta Si temple and Wan Song
pagoda from the Yuan dynasty.

d. Tian
Ning Si
pagoda
-10
century-

b. Dong Tang -1904-

c. Ming city wall -15 century- e. Bai Ta

Si pagoda -13 century-

a. Yong He Gong -18 century-

g. Bell
tower -18
century-

f. Ming Qing Forbidden City -15 to 19 century-

h. Tian Tan -15 century-

13

Area feature
Despite a certain uniformity of height and limited variations in design, different residential neighborhoods still had distinct
characteristics, reflecting the different social groups that inhabited them.
Inner city feature
The inner city area measures 38km 2. The imperial city stands in the center, and the citys planning was based on
Yuan-Dadu. The streets were laid out mainly on a grid pattern. Most of the inner city was residential in character, with
concentrations of large-scale courtyard homes of the upper classes. These include palaces and storage buildings of
princes and other royals. Within a block located to the east of Tian An Men square known as Dong Jiao Min Xiang,
there are many western-style buildings dating to the beginning of 20th century, mostly former foreign embassies.
Plince palaces gate
Imperial city
Dong Jian Min Xiang area
Storage buildings area
Princes palaces

Wide Hutong street in inner city

Big size courtyard house

Dong Jiao Min Xiang, former French post office

14

Stoarage house in Xin Nan Cang

Outer city feature

This area measures 24km2, with the highest concentration of buildings in the northern part. In
1648, the Qing emperor Shun Zhi settled his compatriots, the Manchus, in the quarters
surrounding his palace. Mongols were located in adjacent zones in the inner city and Han
Chinese in the outer city. The outer city was not laid out along a grid pattern, so there are
many crooked streets and narrow alleys. Buildings are to a much smaller scale than in the
inner city. The outer city has traditionally been a commercial area. Traders from Chinas
provinces tended to form their own neighborhoods, each drawing architectural inspiration from
their respective native region. The institution of Hui Guan was a liaison office between Beijing
and local regions for traders and immigrants. The Hui Guan provided free
Hu Guang Hui Guan theatre

accommodation for visitors from local regions and some of them had their own opera
theatres. The Hui Guan also worked as an active community center. There were
around 460 Hui Guan located within the outer city at the end of the Qing dynasty.
Commercial area
Hui Guan concentrated area

Various types of commercial buildings

Small size courtyard house

15

Narrow Hutong street in outer city

2.4 Residential buildings

The traditional residential building of old Beijing is the Si-He-Yuan, or courtyard house, consisting
of low buildings grouped around one or several central courtyards.
In the Si-He-Yuan house, the main building (Zheng Fang) is preferably located on the northern side of the courtyard
facing south, with two sub rooms to either side (Er Fang). On the Western and Eastern sides are the Xiang Fang. The
south side comprises a building facing the street (Dao Zuo Fang) and a shadow wall (Yin Bi). The courtyard is accessed
through a main gate at the southern end, and often there is a back door on the northern side. Generally, the main
residential buildings are south-facing, designed to block the fierce northern winds but allowing sunlight to shine into the
main rooms. This design is well-suited to Beijings climate. A major attraction of the courtyard house is its secluded and
peaceful atmosphere, affording a degree of privacy and calm within the citys bustle. The ambience of the courtyard
house is closely tied to the traditional lifestyle of Chinas urban families.
Zheng Fang (main building)

Gate decoration ditail

Gate

16

Yin Bi (shadow wall)

Men dunr (stone corving)

Si-He-Yuan buildings are timber framed, with brick walls and tiled roofs. The reddish colours of the painted timber beams pillars
and pillars contrast with the grey bricks and tiles, creating the distinct Beijing Hutong combination.
Si-He-Yuan were subject to strict restrictions on height, design, colour and decoration in imperial times. The restrictions were graded
according to the status of the owner. The limitations included rules on the colour and style of roof tiles, the colour of the outside walls
and the decoration of the main gate. Within the inner city walls, before 1911, no residential building of more than one storey was
permitted. It was considered unthinkable that ordinary beings should have houses taller than the walls of the Forbidden City.

Courtyard house section -Xian Ming Hutong NO.4- drawing by Liang Ya Qing

2.5 Courtyard houses in modern times

The Si-He-Yuan were originally designed and built to house one family, but since the 1950s many were converted
to house several families as tenants. With the limitations of space and infrastructure within a Si-He -Yuan, the
standard of living is not compatible with that of modern apartment flats. Yet many residents appreciate the living
environment and quality of old Beijing, even if shared with three or four other families. The central location is
convenient for work, schools and shops. If all the inner city Hutong residents were resettled beyond the fourth ring
road, Beijings traffic and transportation systems would collapse. Many Beijing residents also say that living on the
ground floor is more healthy, since they remain in close connection with the Earths energy. The Si-He-Yuan
lifestyle has a long and ancient tradition, and is widely regarded as an essential element of Chinese culture.
A courtyard house shared by sevral families,
extentional buildings coverd original open space.
17

3.Present state of the old city

3.1 Beijings urban development over the past 50 years

In 1949, after the establishment of the New Chinese government, the city planners realised that
Beijing could not fulfil the role of a modern 20th century capital. In the same year, the Beijing
urban planning committee was established. This committee invited experts from the Soviet
Union and China, to develop concepts for Beijings urban development plan. These experts had
diverse opinions and suggestions. Notably, architect Liang-Si-Cheng proposed keeping the old
city and building a new city outside of the city walls.

The plans suggested had three common points:

1) Beijing should develop not only as the political capital of China, but also as an
industrial, cultural and artistic centre.
2) The population of the city centre should be controlled not to exceed 4 million.
3) The city layout should radiate from the centre, integrating a series of ringroads.

A draft plan of Beijing city in 50s

In the spring of 1958, the Beijing city government adopted the Beijing City Construction Master
Plan. This plan is based on the child- mother city concept, proposed a main central city
surrounded by 40 satellite towns. To promote industrial development, the Central Government
announced that the character of Beijing should change from a Consumer to a Producer city. The
resulting emphasis on industrialisation, including the construction of communal factories within the
inner city, led to unforeseen levels of pollution and traffic congestion.

From 1966 to 1976, during the Cultural Revolution, Beijing underwent enormous
changes and many of the citys ancient structures were irrevocably damaged. The
Beijing City Planning Office was closed down, resulting in the uncontrolled occupation
and development of land. Large numbers of people drifted into the city during this period,
sowing the seeds of todays over-population in residential courtyards.

Liang-Si-Cheng plan

18

After 1978, the political and economical situation improved rapidly. In 1983, the State Council approved a new Beijing City
Construction Master Plan. The plan included provisions for industrial development, population control, upgrading of the old city
and improvement of basic infrastructure. This plan forms the basis of present-day road-building projects.
Under the Open Door Policy, China transformed from a planned to a market economy system. A new plan for Beijings
development was adopted, reflecting the changing political and economic climate.
In 1993, the State Council approved the Beijing City Master Plan (1991-2010). The Master plan established Beijings status as an aspiring
international city. It highlighted the need for balance in integrating cutting edge modern development into Beijings unique ancient heritage.
As a result, the municipal government adopted The conservation plan for the historic and cultural city of Beijing in September 2002. This
plan gives detailed guidelines for the protection of the old city. Implementation of this conservation plan is, as yet, unrealised.

Appendix: Relevant Laws and Planning Proposals:

<Law of Peoples Republic of China Urban Planning>
December/1989
<Law of Peoples Republic of China Cultural Relics Protection> November/1982, edited on June/1991
<Detail Regulation of Implementation of China Cultural Relics Protection Law>
May/1992
<Regulation of Beijing City Culture Relics Protection and Management>
June/1987
<Management Regulation of Beijing City Cultural Relics Protect Site>
June/1987

<Points of Reconstruction and Extend of Beijing City Planning Draft>

September/1954
<Beijing City Construction Master Plan>
1958
<Beijing City Construction Master Plan>
1982
<Beijing City Master Plan (1991-2010)>
1993
<Planning of Preservation and Control areas for Historical & Cultural Conservation areas in Beijing Old City>
(Define the 25 conservation area)
1993
<Conservation Planning of 25 historical areas in Beijing Old City>
March/2002
<Conservation Planning of Historical & Cultural City of Beijing>
September/2002

A plan of Beijing city in 1980s

19

3.2 Dangers to the old city

3.2.1

Natural disasters

Beijing is located in the earthquake zone of the Hua Bei plain. In 1976, a major earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale,
hit the Beijing area, with its epicentre at Tang Shan (a town 180km from Beijing). Beijing was directly affected, with more than
28000 buildings collapsing in eight districts of Beijing. In addition, 100 000 buildings were damaged and classified as dangerous.
In Beijings old city area, it is still possible to see traces of damage from the Tang Shan earthquake.

3.2.2 Damage and Development

Historic events in Chinas turbulent history have left their mark on the countrys ancient capital. In the
past century, the Boxer Uprising, the Invasion of Eight-Powers, the Japanese war and the civil war, and
indeed the Cultural Revolution, have all taken their toll on Beijings cultural heritage. Research carried
by Tsinghua University indicates that over the past 40 years, especially during the Cultural Revolution,
22.5 kilometer of city wall, 22 turrets towers, and many famous imperial parks and Si-He-Yuan
buildings, were damaged (Ref: Contemporary Redevelopment in the Inner City of Beijing: Survey,
Analysis and Survey, PhD study by Mr. Fang Ke, published by Tsinghua University in June 2000).
Chong Wen Men in 1901
Since the late 1980s,and throughout the 1990s, Chinas social and economic systems developed with
concomitant rises in land and property prices. The resulting property redevelopment business led to the
dismemberment of many historic neighborhoods and buildings in central Beijing. Important sites were officially
earmarked as cultural relics sites and were protected. Unfortunately preservation plans gave no detailed
concept for the preservation of complete historic districts. The speed of the demise of the Beijing Hutong has
been measured at 600 lanes per year, (ref: Xin Bao newspaper and research by the archaeologist Xu Pingfang).
Most demolished Hutongs have been replaced with skyscrapers built by property developers. Developments
such as Dong Fang square, Financial Street, and Jiao Dao Kou flats all stand on the sites of ancient Hutongs.
The rapid decrease of Beijings historic areas quickly became a nationwide and even international concern.

The government recognises that the extinction of the Beijing Hutong is undesirable, and has begun to
develop more preservation concepts. The latest plan, published in 2002, is Conservation Planning of
Historical & Cultural City of Beijing. This gives 25 Hutongs protected status. Since the publication of this
plan, 15 more Hutongs have been listed. The plan recommends protection. Its success hinges on strict
implementation, which may well be hindered by the unsolved contradiction between Development and
Preservation. If the governments preservation efforts succeed, they will bring huge cultural and social
benefits. The present report aims to support these ideas and develop them further to suggest some
workable solutions.

Jiao Dao Kou residencial flats built in

2002, a new building appearing in
historical quarter.

20

3.3 Housing Reform and the Weigai System

Since the 1980s, China has been developing into a market economy. Amongst other things, this has resulted in a booming property
market. In some Central European countries the pace of economic reform has been carefully controlled. A gradual pace ensures that
less wealthy inner city residents are able to remain in their homes and are not forced out by sky-rocketing property prices. Countries
that have reformed more rapidly, such as Russia, have seen a concomittant rise in the number of homeless people in urban areas.

China faced the additional problem that its densely-populated housing districts were centuries old and lacking in maintenance.
The most recent solution implemented has been the Weigai system. Under this regime, residents of dilapidated buildings are
re-housed elsewhere, the old buildings are knocked down and the sites are redeveloped.
The onset of the Weigai at the latest has put an end to the idea of returning the houses to their former owners, which would
have created a host of new regulatory and social problems (as experienced in Russia and former East Germany after 1990).
Instead, Weigai gave the chance to start all over again, literally burying the past and building a new city.
After relocation, residents benefit from better facilities and increased
living space. For the average resident, living space per head has
increased from 6.5 square meters to 12 square meters in
concordance with the national Xiao Kang (modest wealth)
standard. However, a different report, from McGill University,
(HOUSING A BILLION Volume 3: HOUSING RENEWAL IN BEIJING
OBSERVATION AND ANALYSIS by Zheng Lian) indicates that
most residents living space has actually not increased. In the 80s
and early 90s, residents were often relocated on the same site, after
demolition and redevelopment. They were often re-housed on the
site of their original home. The living space was similar, but minus
any extensions or courtyard space that had previously been theirs.
Taking this into account, living space actually decreased. Since the
late 1990s, relocation has usually been to the outskirts of the city.
Under the Relocation Act compensation is paid. Payments increase
with increased relocation distance, but decreased living space is not
taken into account.

Over the last ten years, 200,000 families have been relocated as
part of the Weigai (PhD study by Mr. Fang Ke, Tsinghua 2000).
This has had a huge impact on the historic character of Beijing.

21

Weigai project area in 1983

Weigai project planned area in 1991

Unfortunately, the implementation of the Weigai has taken place without any reference to conservation planning.
Property redevelopment companies have free reign to redevelop former residential areas, the only condition being that
they re-house the original adequately. To maximise profit, many companies have chosen to situate relocation housing
far from the city centre, where land is cheap. Once re-housed, the vast majority of residents are unable to afford the
inflated prices of their redeveloped neighborhoods. Weigais emphasis has shifted from its original aim to provide safe
and modern housing for residents, into a drive to re-develop Beijings most valuable land in the historic central areas.

The Weigai redevelopment has in some instances by-passed existing regulations, damaging historic
character of Beijing. More than 4 million square meters of Hutong neighborhoods have disappeared between
1990and 1999 (PhD study by Mr. Fang Ke, Tsinghua 2000); and relocated residents now live far from their
daily workplaces and services. Many now need to commute, putting further pressure on Beijings traffic
system and contributing to pollution. From a social point of view, the residents have lost their sense of
belonging, and are forced to live in anonymous high-rises with few social contacts. Lack of information about
Weigai relocation makes residents fear for their homes, making them reluctant to invest in the maintenance of
their homes. Some official planners now say that Weigai is failing because it doesnt allow people to remain in
their own area. Some residents remarked, for the benefit of the few, the majority must suffer.

Disapearing of Beijing Hutong..........

Can we hand over the historical city
Beijing to next genelation?
or we will not see them again forever??

22

If Weigai implementation continues without conservation and social project planning, Beijing

will surely lose its

famous ancient character. Prime minister Wen Jiabao has called on city leaders to place equal
value on cultural and economic considerations. What happens in Beijings historic residential
areas will surely act as an example in deciding the fate of historic buildings all over China. In
recent years, the historic areas of many Chinese cities have totally disappeared. In these
cities, the priorities of commercial developers were given stronger weight than those of the
Cultural Relics Department. In some cases, developers have totally missed the point as far as
conservation is concerned. They have constructed replica historic streets as tourist attractions,
having first demolished the original historic district. This kind of practice although criticised at
the highest level, has as yet not been effectively legislated against.

In line with the suggestions by prime minister Wen Jiabao, this Conservation
Proposal suggests the immediate reform of the Weigai system. Conservation
and Rehabilitation Planning should then become the principle consideration for
the rehabilitation of historic areas.

The following measures are recommended:

* Weigai should be strictly limited where historic residential areas are
concerned, taking into consideration the original structure (building
material, height, open space etc) of the area.
* Housing standards should be improved with minimum relocation of
residents, ensuring continuity of social structures.
* Residents should be given clear information about Weigai
implementation. Transparency regarding planning guidelines
and security of tenure will give residents the security needed
to commit money to maintaining their homes.
*

For the target area of the present Conservation Proposal, i.e. the Hutong
districts between Ping An Da Dao, Xin Jie Kuo, the north Second Ring
Road and Jiao Dao Kou, the Weigai system should be suspended with
immediate effect, until a decision about the areas preservation has been
made.

The last meal in Hutong

Looking for my new

home....

Hope not to be demolished.....

23

3.4 Present condition of remaining historical buildings

Since 2001, in cooperation with Tsinghua Universitys Architecture Department,
THF conducted a study of the remaining historical buildings in Beijings old city
area. The first phase has been the identification of intact historic neighborhoods,
remaining historic buildings and high-rise construction within the second ring-road.
Many of the remaining historic buildings are concentrated within the 25 protected
areas, but THF felt that historic neighborhoods should be preserved on a wider
scale, as original city quarters rather than in the form of fragmented lanes and
buildings area. Land use was also identified by the study as an important aspect
for preservation, to retain the different characters of the areas studied.

The Conservation Planning of 25 Historic Areas in Beijing Old City supplies

official data analysing the land use:
Total size of the 25 protected areas: 1038 hectares (10.38 square
kilometers) The population: 285,000 people (95,000 families)
Population density: 275 people / hectar

7%

Beijing Old City conservation areas

6%

Residential
Public infrastructure

15%
46%
2%

Industrial
Road
Green space

24%

25 conservation historic areas

5 additional conservation historic areas

Others

Current Land Use

Residential
Public infrastructure
Industrial
Road
Green space
Others

Area (hectares)
490ha (47%)
247ha (24%)
17ha (1.5%)
154ha (15%)
69ha (6.5%)
61ha (6%)

The data shows clearly that almost half of all land in the historic areas is residential in function. In order to preserve the current
balance, the present land-use proportion should be retained.

24

25

3.5 Management of the Old City

Beijing is divided into two counties, comprising 16 districts. The Old City area, inside the second ring road, is divided into four districts.
These are Dong Cheng district, Xi Cheng district, Chong Wen district and Xuan Wu district. The day-to-day management of the Old City
is handled by a number of departments, including the Capital Planning Committee, the Beijing City Planning Committee, the Beijing City
Cultural Relics Office, the Housing Office and Beijing City Construction Bureau. City Planning issues need to be approved by the State
Council. Details of Beijings city management most relevant to conservation planning are summarized below.

City Planning Management

According to the stipulations of the Beijing City Master Plan 1991-2010, each District
Planning Bureau is responsible for planning and supervising the implementation of
road building, traffic management, environmental protection and historic
conservation.

Culture Relics Protection

In 1982, Chinas State Council conferred the status of Historic Cultural City of
China on Beijing. Under Chinas system of heritage protection, Beijing has 3550
sites listed as cultural relics under different levels of preservation. These sites
cover an area of over 2 million square meters. Thus Beijing has both the largest
cultural heritage area and the largest number of individual sites of any city in
China. Five Beijing sites have been accepted as world heritage sites, a further
60 sites are listed under national level protection, 234 sites under municipality
level, 517 sites under county and district level, and 2513 sites are locally listed.
The protected sites include Imperial palaces, religious buildings, Imperial
gardens, Guild buildings, the residences of famous people, remnants of the city
walls, pagodas, bridges and revolutionary monuments. According to the laws
and regulations of Culture Relics Protection, the local Cultural Relics Bureau in
each district is charge of management and maintenance of local-level protected
sites.

Areas management in Beijing Old City quarter

26

Housing Management
The Housing Department is in charge of the management of four types of housing, namely public housing, private housing, work
unit housing and protected cultural relics. Responsibilities are divided as follows:
Public housing: the Local Housing Department is in charge of day-to-day management and maintenance.
Private housing: Private owners take full responsibility for maintenance. Their ownership claim can be superseded by
higher-level area planning and redevelopment.
Work Unit housing: Government work-units provide housing for employees as part of their benefit package. Each work unit is in
charge of management. Sometimes the employees contribute to maintenance if they have long-term tenure.
Cultural Relics protected site: the local Cultural Relics Office is in charge of maintenance. Where protected sites are inhabited, the
residents are required to respect the architectural integrity of the building.
Economic management
The Industry and Commerce Administration is in charge of economic activities, supervising markets, business licensing, etc.
Public Security and Population Management:
For Public Security, there is a main police station in each district. Branch police stations manage security and safety of
communities, with a lot of residential cooperation.
Residential management is the responsibility of the police, being divided into management of local and non-native residents
(those without a Beijing residence permit, including migrant workers, temporary visitors, students and foreigners.) Local police station
Environment and Hygiene Management:
Environment and Hygiene Bureaus at local level are remarkably efficient at keeping the
Hutong lanes clean and collecting and recycling rubbish.
Greens Management:
Although there are not that many green spaces in the Hutong area, there is a great variety of trees, both in
the lanes and within the courtyards. The Green Office is in charge of recording and maintaining these trees.

Tourism:
Cultural heritage is one of the main features of Beijing city, making Beijing one of Chinas top
tourist destinations. The conservation of the remaining historic areas is vital to Beijings
identity and for the citys long-term commercial interests.

27

Keep clearn street day to

day

4. Social Survey and Conservation Studies in Target Area

4.1 Introduction of the Three Target Areas
In early 2002, the Architecture Department of Tsinghua University and THF began a cooperation project to identify an alternative to the current
practice of commercial redevelopment of Beijings historic residential areas. The project looked at three neighborhoods in the northern part of
Beijings old city. All fall within the area bordered by Jiao Dao Kou street (to the East), Xin Jie Kou street (to the West), Ping An Da Dao (to the
South) and the 2nd Ring road (to the North). When the project started, this was still a reasonably well-preserved coherent historic residential area.

The three areas studied were in the Gulou, Shichahai and Nanluogu xiang neighborhoods. All three areas fall within the
bounds of the 25 historic and cultural preservation areas of Beijing
From the start the aim has been to look at the three areas as a whole, with a view to creating a larger protected area within the
boundaries described above. The preservation of a comparatively large intact area, free from major roads and multi storey
buildings, would help to maintain the true flavour of Beijings ancient centre.

Area preservation target area

28

Social survey implemented areas

Zhong-Gulou area (Bell and Drum tower area)

The Gulou area, centred on the famous Drum and Bell towers, is
one of Beijings most atmospheric neighborhoods. It is located at
the northern end of the axis that runs North-South, through the
centre of the Imperial Palace complex. Originally built in the 13th
century, the towers were used throughout the Ming and Qing
dynasties to sound out the progress of time. The ringing of the bell
and beating of the drum informed citizens of the time of day and
also indicated the specific days of the lunar calendar. The towers
are now museums recognised as important historic monuments.
Today, the two towers stand at either end of a small square
surrounded by old residential courtyard houses. The square is a
popular recreation area for local residents, both young and old. An
important feature of the Gulou area is the integration of historic
monuments within a vibrant residential area. Plans to replace
residential buildings with a parking lot for tourist busses are akin to
killing the goose that lays the golden egg. A view of a car park
from the two towers would hardly rate as a tourist attraction.

The survey focussed on 16 courtyards that face the

small public square between the towers.

29

Yandai Xiejie area

Yandai Xiejie is a historic residential and commercial street located between Dianmen wai dajie (road) and Shichahai lake. This is one of the oldest
Xiejie (sloping streets) in Beijing. It was known as Da Yu Ting Xiejie during the Yuan period, later becoming Gulou Xiejie. At the eastern end of the
street was a famous tobacco shop, built during the later Qing period to satisfy an increasingly popular habit. As its signboard, the shop displayed a
huge Tobacco case - a yindai. Such was the appeal of this local attraction that the street was officially renamed Yandai Xiejie during the late Qing
period. The Guan Fu Guan temple, in the middle section of the street, was established during the Ming period. Currently residential, it is one of the
oldest buildings in the area. Most of the buildings that face onto the street now house small shops selling antiques, clothes, snacks or stationery.
Many of these still retain the architectural features of traditional Chinese shop buildings, with old carved windows and screens. Yandai is quickly
developing as a tourist sight, boasting a harmonious combination of residential and commercial buildings.
The Survey area included 23 courtyards within a triangle formed by Yandai Xiejie and Da Shibei and Xiao Shibei Hutongs, inhabited by 160 families.

30

Chaodou Hutong area

Chaodou Hutong is located towards the southern end of Nanluogu xiang street.
This area has kept the ancient street grid pattern dating back to the Yuan dynasty.
Close to the northern end of the Imperial City wall, it was a high-class
neighborhood, housing members of the Qing aristocracy. Today, the area contains
some of Beijings most perfectly preserved Hutong structures.

The survey area falls between Chaodou and Banchang Hutongs,

with 104 courtyards inhabited by around 600 families. The
detailed survey was made in selected courtyards.

31

4.2 Survey questions

The team consisting of THF experts and

Tsinghua students conducted a social
survey, by interviewing over 80 families in
the three target areas. The aim was to gain
an understanding of the problems,
conditions and residents opinions, in order
to create an adequate program for the
conservation of these neighborhoods.

Each courtyard was surveyed, using a

questionnaire to interview each
household (see appendix). The questions
fell under four categories:

a)
b)
c)
d)

Occupancy and ownership

Building condition
Understanding the community
Residents
opinions
regarding
conservation and tourism

Meeting with students

before starting social
survey

Social survey on the fiels

32

4.3 Survey results and

analysis a) Occupancy and
ownership a-1. Population
Beijing has 13.6 million permanent residents and an additional floating population of 3.8 million. According to our survey data, around
70% of residents in the Yandai and Gulou survey areas are original Beijing residents; in the Chaodou area only 55% are from Beijing.
In the Chaodou area, many courtyards belong to work-units that house their employees, many who come from other parts of China.
60% of the residents in the surveyed areas have lived in their homes for more than 30 years (i.e. since the Cultural Revolution), and their off-spring
are still living with them or nearby. This shows that the areas residents have formed a comparatively deep-rooted community. Because of the deep
social changes and upheavals in China during the Cultural Revolution it is rare to find a family still inhabiting their ancestral home anywhere in urban
China. A residential community that has developed over the past three decades is therefore a healthy development for Beijing, and the community
should be spared from new uprooting. Preservation of the community is an important aspect of the preservation of the historic buildings.

a-2. Living space

In the three surveyed areas, the average living inner space per residential unit, which
we define as family, is two rooms (around 15m2), with each family consisting of an
average of 3.5 members. The living space per person here is much less than Chinas
official average of 20.23m2 per person, and also still far from the Xiao Khang
(modest wealth) standard of 12m2 living space per person.

In the Chaodou area, the residential space is larger, there are on average three
rooms per family. The other two areas with their higher density are suffering from
the frequent problem of overcrowding within a courtyard. To increase the available
space per family unit will be a key factor for achieving successful rehabilitation.

A kitchen set up in extention

building

33

Children make homework

at courtyard

a-3. Property
There are three main categories of housing in urban China: public housing (government owned and housing-bureau managed), work-unit owned and privately
owned. In 1982, according to official data, 53.6% of all municipal housing floor space was owned by state enterprises and institutions, 28.7% was managed by
the municipal housing bureau, and 17.7% was in private hands. Over 80% of housing were thus indirectly controlled by the central government.

20 years later, according to the THF survey, 65% of all surveyed buildings in the Yandai and Gulou areas are public housing, with the remains
being privately owned and no work-unit housing. In the Chaodou area, 63% are work-unit housing, 26% privately owned, 11% public housing.

-Public housingPublic housing has been established in China in the 1950s. Residents live in government-owned buildings (mostly nationalized since the 1950s). The buildings
are managed by the local housing office. The rents are subsidized and are only a fraction of rent for comparable housing on the private market. According to
our survey, in 2002, the average rent paid by each residential family rent is 44.30 rmb per month, around 2 rmb per square meter. Since the early 1990s
private property development has been allowed as part of the economic reforms. This quickly saw the land prices in central Beijing soar after having been kept
artificially low for 40 years. The public housing rents increased only nominally. This protects the residents from market forces, but also had negative effects.
Housing in old courtyard buildings was so cheap that it seemed to many residents not to be worth any investment of effort or money in upkeeping (especially
combined with the insecurity about the length of tenure- most residents are convinced that sooner or later their courtyard will be demolished and they would
have to move away). The housing department had no sufficient budget for regular maintenance, either. After 40 years of neglect, many buildings have
assumed a run-down appearance, making them easy prey for the Weigai replacement system.

-Work unit housingWork units used to be government companies or institutions, and they often provided free or subsidized housing for their employees, a
practice established in the 1950s. These days, there are still government-owned work-units, and some privatised companies are still
retaining the practice of supplying housing to their employees (as part of a parcel also including salaries, medical care and sometimes
even schooling for the employees children). The average work-unit housing rent is 64 rmb per month in the surveyed buildings. In
general, we found much better conditions (including better sanitary and heating facilities) in work-unit housing than in public housing.
-Private propertyDespite the upheavals of the late 1950s and 60s, there are still some people living in their ancestral courtyard. Others bought courtyards or received
them from the government. In cases where private owners rent out rooms, the average rent can be as high as ten times as much as in work-unit
housing and 15 times as much as in public housing we found people paying between 400 and 800 rmb per month to private owners for one room.
This gives a useful indication of the market value. Even a private owner has no secure tenancy, however, since if an entire neighborhood or lane gets
demolished and redeveloped, private homes are also routinely bulldozed. Lawsuits against redevelopment schemes so far have always been lost. So
the real market value for a room with secure tenancy is likely to be much, much higher. Generally private housing is in good or reasonable condition,
because despite the insecurity mentioned, the owners maintain their property. There is also more space per person

34

b) Building condition
b-1. Condition
The strict traditional space delineation of the Beijing courtyard house started to become more flexible after the fall
of the Qing dynasty. Rules proscribing designs and sizes in relation to the hierarchies of imperial society were no
longer in effect. During the social reforms of the 1950s and the Cultural Revolution, courtyards were sub-divided,
and in order to accommodate thousands of homeless people after the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, further subdivision were made, leading to a sprouting of flimsy extension buildings that fill up most of the courtyards of
publicly-owned housing. Residents have also often modified or reconstructed the original buildings. However,
during our survey, we found it was possible in many case to determine the historic structure.

Courtyard houses converted into public housing have been most drastically modified, but some buildings in
the survey area marked as cultural relic sites have preserved their original structure reasonably well, even if
used as housing. Grading the three areas, in Chaodou we found the largest number of intact structures, in
Gulou most courtyards have been filled with extensions, and in Yandai, the street fronts with their old carved
windows are preserved, but inside the original structures have been lost in almost every case.

Courtyard open space isocupied by extention buildings

b-1-1. Common structural problems

The most common building problems that we found were roof leaks, damages to the timber
structure caused by insects and rot, and ground humidity creeping up the walls. Most problems
were caused by lack of maintenance. Poorly-lit rooms with poor ventilation increase the
problems caused by humidity, and rehabilitation must include mechanisms to correct these
faults. In regards to rehabilitation, several of the sites require extensive repairs of the roofs, but
after an initial investment to correct decade-old damages, regular maintenance will be not very
costly if done on an annual basis. We found rehabilitation preferable to reconstruction.

Timber structure damaged by roofleake, in many cases

structure problems caused by water and humidity

35

b-1-2. Present state of maintenance

We found buildings in

the Chaodou area to be comparatively better maintained, probably due to the high amount of work units
and cultural relic-designated sites. In Yandai and Gulou, the facades have been maintained and
sometimes repeatedly restored, but not much work has been done inside, this is probably due to the
exposure of these two areas to tourism. We found many cases where the residents had done some
maintenance work, but we were told that because of financial limitations and insecurity of tenancy, these
residents could not address all the problems of their homes. In addition, they also often lacked technical
knowledge about how to solve problems in the roof or timber structure, or how to deal with humidity
infiltration. In the public housing, the housing department sometimes fixes roof-leaks and paints facades,
but clearly the responsibility for upkeep was very unclear. Many residents simply blamed the government
and where unwilling to undertake any major repair works.
Roof coverd by waterproof sheet,
luck of technical knowledge for
proper maintenance

B-2 Infrastructure and facilities

Water
We found at least one water tap in every courtyard, but sometimes that would
be shared by up several families, with a common water meter. Many families
extended waterlines into their homes on their own. Raising water fees are
now causing concern or disagreement about water usage, and some
residents have said they would prefer that each resident should install their
own line (or at least their own meter) to avoid disputes over water bills.
Most residents rely on public shower facilities (cost about 10rmb per shower).
Many people have built simple solar shower systems that can be used during
summer, but these systems are currently not available to all due to
restrictions of space and lack of drainage facilities. In the Chaodou survey
area, 63% have access to a shower in some form (even if only during
summer).

Simle solar shower

system setting on the
roof

Common water tap

36

Sewage
We witnessed new sewage pipes being put underneath many Hutong lanes in the Chaodou area in 20002002, but the majority of courtyards had only very basic drainage facilities, with one drain hole connected to
the street sewage. Many residents have built makeshift drains from their rooms connected to the drain hole.

To improve the living conditions in the courtyard houses it will be an important task to upgrade
and redesign water supply and sewage and drainage facilities, including separation of rain water
and sewerage for treatment to combat Beijings chronic water shortages.
Sewage
installment in
Hutong alley

T
o

90% of residents in the survey area are using the public toilets in the streets, usually located very
nearby.
In the Chaodou survey area there are 8 public toilets. This area has 600 families, so each toilet is
shared by 77 families on average. But a few families have private or shared toilets in their
courtyard.
In the Yandai area, there are 3 public toilets serving 160 families. On average 53 families share a
public toilet in this zone.
In the Gulou zone are 3 public toilets, serving around 100 to 130 families in the 16 courtyards. On average
here, 40 families share a toilet.

62% of the surveyed residents said they had a negative opinion about the toilets, citing both
inconvenience (especially at night and during cold winters) and lack of hygiene. The public toilets are
maintained by the government, and in residential areas, their usage is free of charge. They are usually
not connected to any sewage system, but emptied regularly via pump trucks. Traditionally, every
courtyard had at least one composting toilet, but the system of manure collection became obsolete as
tenants, desperate for space, took over most of the toilet spaces for building extensions. In some
cases near Yandai we still found the original composting toilets.
Some people wish to install a water-flush toilet in their home or courtyard. But space for such an installation needs to
be identified, and a connection to the sewage needs to be made [and paid for]. In the Chaodou area, 22% of the
resident families already have at least one water-flush toilet in the courtyard. New public toilets appearing in the
Hutong area within water flash system, improving the hygiene conditions considerably, especially in the summer.
P
u
b
l
i
c

t
o
i
l
e
t
(
l
e
f
t
)
r
e
g
u
l
a
r
l
y
n
e
e
d
t
o
c
l
e
a
r
n
u
p
b
y
p
u
m
p

t
r
a
c
k

N
e
w
p
u
b
l
i
c
t
o
i
l
e
t
(
r
i
g
h
t
)
w
i
t
h
w
a
t
e
r
f

l
a
s
h
s
y
s
t
e
m
,
i
m
p
r
o
v
i
n
g
o
f
h
y
g
i
e
n
e
c
o
n
d
i
t
i
o
n
s

37

Heating system
95% of residents in the survey area use coal heating during the winter
period (November to March usually has sub-zero temperatures). The
system commonly used is not very efficient, and causes air pollution, but
it is very cheap as the coal prices are believed to be still subsidized,
though the subsidies are being phased out and the coal prices are now
rising. Some residents in the Chaodou area spent around 300-400 rmb
per winter to heat a single stove with coal.
In the Chaodou area, some residents used central heating based on oil, put in
place by their work units. We also found various electric systems (airconditioner, electrical heater), but because electricity is comparatively
expensive, it is not a common solution. In the Dongsi and Xisi areas, electric
heating systems have been recently installed and will be used for the first time in
the winter of 2003/2004. Gas heating systems are not yet available in Hutong
areas, but would be a clean alternative to coal.
The municipal government has announced plans to ban the use of coal heating
systems before the Olympic Games to be held in the city in 2008. So it is
necessary that some new heating system should be installed urgently. From an
economic point of view, a centrally-installed scheme would be practical if an
adequate metering and payment scheme can be put in place. After the
experiences many people have had with centrally-planned schemes, individual
solutions put in place by the residents and owners might actually be more
economical, but any improvement of the air quality would then be subject to
annual monitoring of each individual heating scheme. For this reason, we would
propose a central scheme.

Extension building
More than 70% of all resident families surveyed have one or more
extension buildings, usually makeshift constructions out of bricks with
asbestos or tin sheet roofs. These rooms are mainly used as kitchens,
but in some cases also as bedrooms or for storage. Officially it is
necessary to get permission from the housing authorities to erect such
structures, Apart from the flimsiness of design and often hazardous
nature of materials used, extension buildings have also filled most of
the public courtyards of the surveyed buildings, blocking sunlight

Coal heating is the most

popular system in Hutong
residencial arae

access and causing a slumification effect, responsible for much of the

bad image of Hutong residences. Removal or modification of extension
buildings is will be necessary, but are subject to whether the underlying
problem of finding adequate space per resident can be satisfactorily
solved.

Extension buildings,
which built front of
historical buildings,
ocupay open space
and block sunlight in
the rooms

38

Living space improvement

Since most of the courtyard houses were originally designed for one family and are now inhabited
by several separate families, lack of space is the greatest challenge to any rehabilitation effort. The
installation of new facilities like toilets and showers is hampered, and in many cases the available
space is simply too small to allow a dignified existence. We have identified a number of solutions:

A). Redesigning the courtyard space and the extension buildings. By allowing some extensions to
the original buildings, to be built with adequate materials, we can ensure that people at least do
not have significantly less space than compared with before the rehabilitation. Present extensions
are built with poor planning and without consultation of the other residents.

B.) We found a lot of public space cluttered with stored construction and heating materials,
and other strange things. New storage facilities can be created underground.
C.) Interior upgrading: Some old buildings have quite high ceilings, sufficient to create loft
spaces. At present, the space underneath the ceiling structure is unused and blocked, and
the usual roof leaks need to be fixed before that space can be utilized.
The government has also expressed concern about the possibilities of fire hazards to
communities living in crowded courtyard homes in narrow alley ways, and any rehabilitation
plan needs to incorporate a fire control system.

Many materials are ocupaied public space, need to be cleaned up Original facade of building with much of light in the room and get
more open space

39

b-3. Summary of common problems

Most of the structural problems that we described above can be fixed reasonably easy. We identified a number of factors that are
currently preventing the residents from doing so.
*

Insecure tenancy as we have described above, residents generally assume that sooner or later their courtyard will be torn down under the
Weigai system. Even private ownership is insecure, as the current practice favour area redevelopment schemes over land ownership.

City plans are not transparent most residents usually only learn of their relocation as little as ten days before demolition
starts (official regulations merely state that developers need to inform residents after demolition has been decided). This
further undermines any good will from the residents to undertake regular maintenance.
*Most residents dont have enough money to undertake extensive repairs, such as roof repairs. The insecure tenancy situation
prevents them from obtaining bank loans. Most residents also lack technical skills to identify the root causes of problems and
adequate repair methods, opting at the most for temporary patch-ups.
*Lack of responsibility for housing management, especially for public housing.
*Lack of infrastructure, improvements of water supply and sanitation facilities are dependent on the areas overall infrastructure
We asked the residents how satisfied they felt about their present homes, not connected with choosing between moving or staying. 64% of the residents
were mostly satisfied and like their home, 26% were dissatisfied and disliked their home, 10% said simply that they have gotten used to it.

40

c) Understanding the Hutong community

Hutong residents often see themselves as the true Beijingers, and they speak their own Hutong dialect, which is quite distinct from Putonghua, with
unique words, expressions and ways of greeting. We found that even though in some courtyards there is little contact between different resident
families, overall people have cordial relations and help each other out whenever necessary. People also like to spend their free time sitting on little
stools in the alleys and talking to their neighbours. When one strolls through the Hutongs, despite of overcrowded dilapidated courtyards and oftensmelly public toilets, there is a special idyllic atmosphere of a community at ease with its environment.

So it came as no surprise that surveyed residents expressed general satisfaction with their environment. Daily transportation
(work, school etc), shopping, garbage management system (operated by the government), relationships with their neighbours and
the central location within the city were all overwhelmingly rated as positive.
80% of surveyed residents are of the opinion that the Hutong lane is an important public space.
Visitors and passers-by immediately notice people chatting in the lanes, doing their exercises,
sitting on little chairs playing chess. The lanes are perceived as a pleasant environment, sunny
and green, where people can relax a doorstep away from their homes
Local vegetable markets and small shops are located in most Hutong lanes. These provide convenient supply
of daily necessities for the residents, and additional spots to meet and interact with other residents. Most
residents do not need to leave the Hutong environment in order to fulfil their basic needs.

Public sanitation and garbage collection is well-managed by the government. Most

residents expressed their satisfaction with the garbage management system, with only
Garbage separation for easier recycling named as possible improvement.

Most of daily necessities are available

in Hutong lanes

41

Children playing on Hutong street,

a safe place without traffic

People enjoying
chess, Hutong is
an important public
space

The traffic situation inside the lanes was not rated well. Most residents, who in their majority dont own cars, wanted to see some
form of traffic control, as they felt that outsiders brought too much car traffic into the alleys, causing noise and air pollution,
danger from accidents, traffic jams and general disturbance of the otherwise serene environment. If more big roads will be cut
through the Hutong areas (or if existing roads are increasingly being widened), residents and traffic experts think that this will
bring more traffic into the inner city, and so instead of solving the traffic problems will make them worse.

Parking violation in alley

Cars jamming nallow Hutong alley

Danger to cross the road

The big advantage of Hutong neighborhoods is that life is usually within walking
distance residents can walk to do their shopping. And the bicycle, despite being
regarded as somewhat old-fashioned, is still the most convenient, environmentallyfriendly and congestion-relieving mode of transportation, and will rightfully remain an
integral element of day-to-day transportation within the historic neighborhoods.

Hutong alleys desinged for non-moter facilities, life is enough convenience within walking distance

42

Therefore transportation within the areas is already quite convenient, and the best service one can do
to Beijing is to prevent this mode of life from being spoiled by car traffic blocking the narrow alleyways.
Suggested ideas for traffic control (for example, allowing limited access only for residents), developing
central parking facilities from where residents would have to commute by foot or cycle to their homes,
and the development of public transportation schemes, e.g. electric mini-buses that serve the Hutongs
via easy-to-reach collection points that would not have the busses go through the narrow inner alleys.

-An idea of traffic control-

Hutong alleys
-Walking & non-motor facilities-

43

Only mini public transportation

& permited cars

Public bus & permited cars

Traffic road

In summary, the surveyed community sees the advantages of living in Hutongs as being conveniently located, making
transportation, working and shopping easy. In addition, the rents are cheap, the neighborhood is pleasant and safe, the
community is closely-knit, the environment is peaceful and quite, and the atmosphere is that of cultured traditional Beijing life.
The disadvantages were identified as having too little space, and correspondingly overcrowded courtyards, as well as poor
infrastructure, many houses being in poor condition, and having an uncertain future under the Weigai system.
When the surveyed residents were offered the hypothetical choice to move into a newly-built apartment block, more than 60%
expressed their preference to stay in their present Hutong lane under any circumstances (even if offered additional compensation,
and only 34% agreed to move out if offered what they regard as adequate financial compensation, and depending on the
suitability and location of the new flat. Without sufficient compensation, 82% would refuse to move.
Under the present system, residents are usually located quite far from the city center in high-rises with central heating, shower and flush-toilets, and they
receive some compensation, but have to buy their new flat upfront for an amount higher than the compensation, so in most cases people get relocated and
need to pay for it. The developer not only obtains highly-valuable inner city lands, but makes additional profit from selling flats in undesirable locations.

The local community is a core element of a city, which helps people to organize their activities and
which fixes social rules of hygiene, safety and environment. The level of interactivity is determines the
efficiency of organizing the necessary actions for the proposed improvement and rehabilitation works.
Different communities are part of the individual character of Beijings different residential areas.

The long-term residents are the core element of a community. They spent their
life within their neighborhood, most are strongly attached to their homes, take Selling home-made pickles
more care and represent continuity.
Temporary residents have few connections to their areas, usually care less and
are not willing to invest in building or area maintenance from their own money.
The current population mix in the Hutong quarters is a result of the social
developments of the past 50 years. Many of the eldest residents have already
spent several generations here. These residents form the core of the
communities and without them, Hutongs would be much more life-less. Urban
planning cant ignore the participation of communities if it is to achieve healthy
urban development. Encourage the residents for participation of Hutong
preservation is one of the most important issues.

Repair shoes & bicycle service

Community activity participated by local residents

44

d) Residents opinions regarding conservation and

tourism d-1 Conservation
68% of surveyed residents were aware about the regulation adopted in 2002 that officially declared 25 historic areas in Beijing as protected, and they
were further aware that their area (i.e. each of three surveyed areas) was also included. But some of them expressed their doubts of the meaning of this
protection, citing the example of Nan Chi Zi conservation area, another of the 25 protected areas, which was partly demolished in 2002.

80% of the residents suggested that the Hutongs should be preserved and passed down to the coming generations as an important
part of Chinese cultural heritage. So we found the majority of inhabitants being concerned about the issue of conservation.

The following suggestions were collected from the residents during the survey:
* Extension buildings should be removed and density within each courtyard should be regulated.
* Their areas overall environment and especially the sanitary conditions could still be further improved.
*

Well-preserved courtyard houses should be restored and ordinary courtyards should be reformed [i.e. rehabilitated including some reconstruction].

*
*
*
*
*
*

The Hutong lanes should be preserved in their entirety.

The green environment within the lanes should be preserved.
It is necessary to have a good overall plan in order to successfully preserve the Hutong areas.
If there are no more Hutongs then there will be no Beijing many said.
Maintenance and improvement of the houses should be done building by building, i.e. organized at courtyard level.
Co-operation between the government, residents and foreign investors/donors was suggested as beneficial for conservation.

Any conservation would depend on government intervention in the form of regulations and laws that should protect homes and residents.

Many residents think that small-scale repairs and regular maintenance

at courtyard level will be the realistic methods for preservation of the
Hutongs, at the same time many thought it necessary to have strong
support from the government with effective conservation laws that protect
both the community and the physical structures (Hutong lane structures
and individual courtyard houses). When asked to consider all the positive
and negative aspects of Hutong life, and then decide whether they would
agree to move under the present system, 82% would choose to stay in
the Hutongs. If they would be offered what they would regard as
adequate compensation and reasonably acceptable new housing, still
60% would refuse to move.
Modern and Traditional life style, which would you prefer?

45

d-2 Tourism in Hutong

77% of the residents think that tourists like to see Hutong life and Hutong culture, because Hutong
tours already bring lots of visitors from all over the world. But only 35% would welcome tourists to enter
their courtyards, while 39% would disapprove and 26% said that they did not care whether they came
in or not. Some were worried that their living conditions were too poor to be seen by outside visitors, so
they thought that repairs and improvements would be necessary before they would welcome visitors.

23.6% of the residents thought that tourism will directly benefit the Hutong community and
area, because the government would need to pay more attention to the area and improve the
infrastructure, offer tax reductions to businesses in the area, and direct economic benefits from
money that tourists would spend in the area (shopping, eating, entrance fees etc).
65% of the residents were sceptical suggesting that the government and the government tourism
department would absorb the benefits with little left for the residents, and a negative result would be that
rents were likely to increase if the areas became more popular, which would force many residents to leave.

But the majority, 60%, thought that Hutong life and tourism could co-exist and prosper together.

Populer Hutong tour -Go to Hutong-,

carry tourist by Rickshow through
Hutong alleys

Foreign tourist enjoy walking

in Hutong

Selling Chinese opera goods

Tourist enjoy shopping

souvernir

46

One of the survey areas, the Yandai

street, is now rapidly evolving into a popular evening entertainment district, with many recentlyopened bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. From the historic building conservation point of
view, the shops exceed the height limit of the traditional tiled-and-gabled roofs and fill up the
street with their tables and parasols. At night, loud music and flashy lights are disturbing the
surrounding residential areas. Traffic pressure is increasing, with the surrounding alleyways
increasingly jammed. Given the natural attractiveness of the area (by the Hou Hai lake) such
change is unavoidable under a market economy. However, this development cannot be seen as
a blueprint for the future of Hutong areas, but merely as a special case. Transformation of all
Hutong lanes into entertainment districts would also lead to the demise of Beijings historic
neighborhoods. To protect the historic areas from excessive tourism and commercialisation, a
healthy balance of 50% residential use with the balance made up by administrative and
commercial use should be the official aim of the rehabilitation project. To create fake historic
streets for tourists, such as in Beijings Liu Li Chang, may be attractive for commercial reasons,
but has nothing to do with the aims of historic preservation and neighborhood rehabilitation, so
this practice is also not recommended for the remaining Hutong areas.

Bar openning at night, loud music will

distarb residencial area

Over hight-limitation buildings

Same point of view at Yandai street

in 2001(above) & 2003 (right)

47

Guang Fu Guan, the taoism temple is

surrounded by bars

4.4 Conclusion of the Survey

Despite various problems relating to the housing conditions, the majority of residents, more than 60%, want to continue to
live within the Hutong community even if offered reasonable alternatives. Much more serious that leaking roofs and missing
toilets is a general feeling of insecurity regarding their homes, because demolition and relocation could arrive any day at
their doorsteps. This prevents residents from maintaining their buildings. The residents also overwhelmingly praised the lifequality within a Hutong environment in terms of quietness and green-ness, convenience of location for working and
shopping, security, and having excellent social relations with the neighbours. For most, this outweighed the lack of space
and facilities within their homes. Many residents expressed awareness that the Hutong residential system has not caught
up with the rapid changes in the rest of the society, where the economic reforms abolish old subsidies, and so there was a
general feeling of anticipating some kind of change. The communities in the surveyed areas consisted of a high percentage
of native Beijingers and long-term residents who have lived there for more than 30 years.

The survey has shown that the ancient Hutong system is an ideal form of organizing a residential area, and
the area has completed the transition from feudal one-family ownership modern multi-family tenancy
reasonably well. In our opinion, the residents would make an important and highly valuable contribution to any
reform of the Hutong system, and should be actively involved. The best solution for rehabilitation lies in micromanagement, finding solutions best-suited for each individual lane courtyard and utilizing contributions by the
residents. Each area also requires investment in infrastructure upgrading, traffic restriction controls and
protection of the environment. This is the most realistic way to preserve The Hutong of Old Beijing.

Because of the high cultural and historical value to Beijing, the current redevelopment program of
Hutong areas should be halted immediately.

48

5. Pilot project plan for rehabilitation of courtyard house and community

5.1 Aims of Pilot project
The aims of the project are: To improve living conditions
To avoid relocation of the majority of residents
To take into account the opinions of all concerned parties (according to survey results)
To preserve historic buildings and courtyards according to relevant government
regulations for the protection of cultural heritage
To create a new form of cooperation between the major stakeholders to achieve
conservation and rehabilitation of Hutong areas

The pilot project sites located at east side of the squair between Drum and Bell tower.
Objects are Zhong Lou Wan Hutong NO.58 and NO.60 courtyards. This area is one of the social survey and conservation study area, implemented by
co-operation between THF and Tsinghua university school of Architect in 2002.

Birds-eye view of the pilot project area

49

5.2 Structural analysis

5.2.1 Historic
background
Zhong Lou Wan Hutong NO.60
This house was built during the Guang Xu period, about 150 years ago. The main building, which originally housed
the ancestral shrine of the Yan Family, was not inhabited since it was considered improper to live in a building
containing Buddhist images. During the Cultural Revolution, the house was confiscated and all the rooms, including
the shrine, were converted into housing for several families. The original owners, the Yan family, still occupy some of
the rooms. The house is built around a courtyard, with the main buildings facing east instead of the usual southern
orientation. Despite some additions and alterations to the courtyard structure, the building retains many original
features including the roof tiles, timber structures, carvings and painted decorations.

Zhong Lou Wan Hutong NO.58

This house was built towards the end of the Qing period, more than 100 years ago. During the Republican period, the
courtyard belonged to the Bao Ding county magistrate. After the Cultural Revolution, it was owned and inhabited by a
woman who later emigrated. Her relatives lost the ownership certificate and the house was given over to public housing.

The Main gate of the house collapsed in 1976 during the Tang Shan earthquake and was rebuilt to a much simpler
design. In middle of the courtyard is an 2 x 10m drainage pit. Originally this was an air-raid shelter, built at the
beginning of the 1960s under the anti soviet Build deep shelters, Keep grains, dont bow to hegemonism policy.

-Zhong Lou Wan Hutong- West elevation

50

NO.58 courtyard

NO.60 courtyard

63.5% .

5.2.2 Population and owner ship

No.60: 4 families, 14 people.
The main building
is privately-owned
by the pre-Cultural
Revolution owners,
all other buildings
are public housing.
No.58: 12 families, 33 people.
All the buildings are public housing.

5.2.3 Space arrangement

NO. 60:
245.35m2
Total area:
Original buildings: 89.55m2 (as resistered at the Communal Housing Office)
Extension buildings: 50.06m2
105.74m2
Open space:
Average space per person: 9.97m2
including
extension
space 6.39m2
without
extensions.

Most of the original buildings are now taken up by combined

living and sleeping rooms. Each family has built extensions.
The extension space is used as kitchen space (16.36m 2 ),
living space (30.84m2 ), and storage areas (2.86m2).

a)

Proportion of land area occupied by buildings

original
proportions
(original
buildings
without
extensions)
building area: open space=89.55m2 : 155.8m 2 = 36.5%:

The original design

was roughly one third
building and two thirds
open courtyard

b)

present proportions
(Including extension space)
b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g
a
r
e
a
:
o
p
e
n
s
p
a
c
e
=
1
3
9
.
6
1
m
2
:
1
0
5

.74m2 = 57%: 43% . Now half of the

land is taken up by buildings.

Original building space

Extension buildings
Each family owning space

NO.60

Histrical
building
Non-histric building
Extensio
n building
Open
space

51

NO. 58:
Total area:
534.15m2
Original buildings: 219.89m2 (as registered at the
Housing Office)
Exte
nsio
n
buildi

n
g
s
:
7
6
.

72m2
Ope
n
spac
e:23
7.54
m2

Average living space per person:

8.98m2
(including
extension
s) 6.66m2
(without
extension
s).

The rooms in the original buildings are mainly utilised for

living and sleeping .
Each family has built extensions. The extension space
is used as kitchen space (49.17m2 ), living space
(23.47m2 ), and storage areas (4.08m2).

Proportion of land area occupied by buildings and

courtyard
a) original proportions (original buildings
without extensions) building area: open
space =219.89m2 : 314.26m2 = 41% :
59%

b) present proportions(including extension space)

building area: open space= 96.61m 2 : 237.54m2 =
56% : 44% .
In both buildings, the extension buildings have cluttered up the
courtyard area, leaving only narrow passages leading to the
individual homes. Even so, the available living space per person
is quite limited, being less than half of the national average
(20.23m2 per person). We propose to increase the per capita

living
space
without
overtly
changing
the
historic
building
structure
, as
outlined
below.

Histolic building
Extension building

hong Lou Wan Hutong NO.58 & NO.60 drawing by Ken Okuma
52

Open
space

5.2.4 Present facilities

Most families have a kitchen area with running water, but no sewer connection. There is a
common courtyard drain with sewer connection. Some residents have built their own shower
system, either electrical or solar powered. Inadequate drainage has led to rising damp, which
has weakened many of the buildings. There are no private toilets in the buildings. Residents use
the public toilets in the street nearby. All residents used coal heating in the winter.

Common courtyard drain

Simple solar shower system

5.2.5 Structural problems

These structural problems observed at the two sites are typical of Beijing courtyard houses. The buildings have
rising and falling damp, with leaky rooves, partially rotten timbers and damp walls. The progress of damage has
been gradual and much could easily have been prevented by routine maintenance. Timely roof repair would
have prevented rotten roof timbers, the replacement of which now involves taking off the roof. Improper
disposal of waste water has also contributed significantly to the damp problem. Any renovation plan must
address both infrastructure improvement and motivation of residents to maintain their own homes.

Present condition of courtyards space

Historical parts, which needs to be preserved

53

Storage space

5.3 Cooperation between residents, officials and experts

Residential communities are now recognised as being an integral component of any historic area. Many international projects such
as the IBA in Berlin, the Main Street Program in the USA and the rehabilitation of the Zanzibar have demonstrated the succesful
use of community-based area rehabilitation. The Hutong survey confirmed that the present resident community is deep-rooted and
is inseparable from the atmosphere of the old city. Beijing already has one of the worlds largest out-door museums, the Forbidden
City. The Hutongs now have a unique vitality, which will be destroyed if they too are made into museum towns.
In the Ya er Hutong area, an attempt has already been made to re-establish one family courtyards by relocating present residents and redeveloping the
courtyards for wealthy families. So far, this has not been economically successful. One of the problems with this solution has been that the lifestyle of todays
wealthy owners no longer fits into the Hutong community. The wealthy tend not to use local shops and markets, keep their gates locked and use the private
cars to get around. Thus they contribute little to the local community (and bereaving Beijing of one of its tourist attractions) whilst overstressing the transport
infrastructure - the Yuan Dynasty lanes. Over the past century, a feudalistic system has transformed into a popular social community. To forcefully remove
thousands of residents for the benefit of a few owners would harm this social system and create a feeling of unfairness and inequality.

It the present residents were to be given security of tenure (in varying degrees for private owners and long-term tenants), many of
the current problems would be solved. Much of the maintenance responsibility could be taken on by residents. To facilitate this,
Government officials, technical experts, and investors need to work together closely with the community. In such a network of cooperation, each group would have designated responsibilities, which might include:
a) Government input
Strong regulations and enforceable laws for the preservation of historic areas and
residence rights for the original long-term inhabitants.
Infrastructure improvement (sewers, drains etc).
Financial support (especially compensation for voluntarily moving
out) Population control (limiting number of new residents moving
into the district) b) Residents input
Regular building maintenance, verified and checked annually by the local
Neighborhood Community Office
Infrastructure upgrading (for example paying for sewage connection, new
waterlines within the courtyard area, heating)
c) Local experts input
Technical advice
Feasibility studies

d) Third (outside) party input:

Limited financial support, international experience, additional technical advice

54

Government

Local experts
Hutong
Residents

Community

Third party

Preserve Beijing Historical quarters

Sustainable development of Hutong
community

5.4 Proposed plan for rehabilitation work

5.4.1 Rehabilitation & Rebuilding, courtyard NO. 60
This complex has already lost some of its historic structure, since the southern part is not original. The main building and the smaller building near the
entrance are however original and have conservational value. The central courtyard area has been filled with extensions, leaving only narrow pathways to
reach each home. The number of resident families is low and suitable for the buildings size. In this case the following approach is suggested:

1. The two historic buildings should be rehabilitated and restored to their original state as possible, using traditional materials such
as roof-tiles, grey bricks and carved windows.
2. The modern buildings can be rebuilt with traditional material, but re-designed to create additional space underneath the gabled roof without altering the
original height limitation of 6m. Creation of this additional space, which can be used as storage or even sleeping, means that some of the extensions can
be removed without diminishing the area. The extensions should be re-designed to free some courtyard space, and rebuilt with traditional and semitraditional materials. Traditional grey bricks, roof tiles and timber frames should be used throughout. Concrete frame with tiles and brick infill can be a
solution especially for building new residential wings. The residents have participated in the design of the proposed building layout.
3. The public space in the courtyard, once reclaimed, can be improved by restoring the traditional brick paving and by planting flowers, bushes and trees.

4. Population adjustment is not necessary

Histrical building
Non-histric building
Extension building
Open space

Zhong Lou Wan Hutong NO.60 Restoration Plan

drawing by Yutaka Hirako

55

5.4.2 Rehabilitation & utility rooms case Courtyard no. 58

1.

This courtyard still preserves enough of the original structure of an old courtyard house to attempt to restore the original layout.
There are 12 families living here under very crowded conditions. It will be necessary to create additional living space.
Rehabilitation of the historic buildings as authentic as possible.
2.If the population can be adjusted to 6 families, there would be enough living space with the original layout, without the need for
any extension buildings. This would require government assistance to identify suitable alternative housing for the rehousing of
any willing residents. Residents have said their willingness to be rehoused would depend on the location and condition of the
new housing offered and on financial arrangements compensation arrangements.
3. If the population is not adjusted, we have proposed designs for extension buildings based on residents requirements, including utility rooms.
4. The rehabilitation includes installing water and sewage systems, correcting structural faults, waterproofing the roofs, getting rid of damp,
improving ventilation and sunlight, and opening the space underneath the roof structure for storage or sleeping space. All this must be done in
harmony with the historic building design. One communal flush toilet and one communal shower unit will be installed within the courtyard.
Histolic building
Extension building
Open space

Zhong Lou Wan Hutong NO.58 Restoration Plan

drawing by Yutaka Hirako

56

5.4.3 Population adjustment within the community

Some courtyards have already lost much of their original layout, sometimes having no remaining historic buildings. In such cases, the compound
can be rebuilt to a different design, better accommodating the resident families. It is possible to fit two floors within the height limit of 6 meters of
the traditional pitched roofs, and it can be so designed to appear as a one-storye building from the outside. The historic one-storey limit on
residential construction in Beijing is unique, and should therefore be preserved as much as possible. Traditional materials should be used so that
new structures blend well with the historic buildings. Internal concrete members could be used where they are not visible.
The original and long-term residents should always have a say in re-designing the courtyard layout. In some cases, it may be possible for
reconstructed housing to absorb residents from nearby overcrowded courtyards. Such adjustments must take into account the entire community
of a given area. Population adjustment within the neighborhood is always preferrable to relocation to areas outside the inner city.

Histrical building
Non-histric building
Extension building

5.4.4 Work Required for Rehabilitation

Courtyards can be categorized as follows:
A type courtyard: All historic buildings of the original structure still exist. Measures to be
taken:
Restoration and upgrading of original building materials; This will be termed

rehabilitation
B type courtyard: Some historic buildings with preservational value remain, but the original
courtyard house layout has been lost.
Measures to be taken:
Restoration and upgrading of the historic buildings with some demolition and rebuilding of the modern
structures according to the population adjustment scheme. This will be termed rehabilitation and
reconstruction

C type courtyard: No historic buildings, no original layout, no traditional building material.

Measures to be taken:
Re-design and reconstruction aimed at increasing the living space for community residents. From here on,
this will be termed reconstruction

Zhong Lou Wan Hutong survey area

57

5.5 Residents direct participation

5.5.1 Planning and implementation stage
Residents should participate in the rehabilitation program right from the initial planning stage. Any plans made must be firmly based on field
research in the community and finding a suitbale solution for each individual courtyard house. In discussions between residents and project
implementors, residents will be asked to propose their own level of input. It is expected that they will make financial contributions towards the cost of
water connection, sewerage connection and repair work. Contributions could be a fixed percentage of the actual cost, graded according to family
income. Having contributed to costs, residents will also have an interest in ensuring the proper use of their money. It is suggested that residents
should be strongly involved in the supervision of contractors. It is important that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the division of
responsibilities throughout the planning and implementation processes. In some cases, where preservational considerations clash with the desires
of some individuals, it may be necessary to promote the interests of the larger community over those of individual residents.

5.5.2 Maintenance
Once residents have security of tenure, they should be made fully responsible for maintenance. Regulations from the Beijing Cultural Relics Office should
make private owners responsible for upkeep of their historic buildings. Such regulations might be similar to those in Britain, which forbid alteration to the
outward appearance of listed buildings. The local housing office should facilitate the establishment of a reputable maintenance contractor for tenants to
employ as necessary. A detailed cost- sharing agreement should be developed so that costs and responsibilities for major repairs, such as roofing, will be
shared between the government and residents. Although it may be necessary to increase rents after rehabilitation, this should be done fairly, giving regard
to residents ability to pay. Increased revenue from rent must be used exclusively towards the upgrading and major repair of the residents buildings.

drawing by Yutaka Hirako

58

6. Applying the project on a wider scale

6.1 Financing the program
THF offers to provide some financial input for the pilot rehabilitation project as outlined above. The work should be carried out by local craftsmen,
using locally produced materials. This will not only revive central Beijings historic splendour, but will also create many new jobs and encourage the
renaissance of ancient craft skills. The success of the scheme depends on high quality workmanship and competitive pricing. One of the aims of the
project is also to preserve the individuality of each building. Although they share a basic design, each Si-He-Yuan has its own character. A broad
brush housing-estate approach, where houses are repaired to a standard design, would be highly inappropriate for this project.

The participation of residents in funding and supervising the work is seen as a key measure to keep down costs, ensure good
workmanship and increase residents sense of ownership. Recently, such an approach proved very successful. At No. 8
Banchang Hutong, the private owner paid 700rmb/m 2 for a new building in traditional style. All the construction materials and
workers were arranged by house owner with the permission from the district government.
The pilot project includes the establishment of clear agreements for the maintenance of renovated buildings. The establishment of
security of tenure and fair cost-sharing agreements is sure to attract further project funding.
THF proposes to create a revolving loan system where residents can borrow additional funds for the rehabilitation at low or no interest.
In such a way, the governmentscontributions could be limited to cover only upgrading of infrastructure and technical monitoring.
The option to offer residents to buy their homes would still need to be discussed. This would release local government from maintenance
responsibility. Since few residents will be able to come up with so much money at once, a system of payment by installments could be
devised, requiring in turn measures to prevent re-selling for profit while taking advantage of the assistance offered by the project.

59

6.2 Government support

To create favourable conditions for the successful rehabilitatrion of historic Beijing, government support is essential. Without security of tenure, which only
the government can guarentee, residents are unlikely to participate in the project. Coordination of residents, experts and foreign agencies can best be
facilitated through the Governments local housing office and local neighborhood committees. It is suggested that counterpart agreements should be
made between THF and these offices. Then these departments and the invited partners can work out the details of loan systems, house maintenance
standards, house ownership rules etc. Transparent information and fair rules will expect to attract wide participation of people for Hutong conservation.

6.3 Population control

Local community offices and the housing office should establish an effective control mechanism to prevent sub-renting of
public housing or use of residential buildings for commercial purposes.
If legal tenants under the public housing system want to move out, they should get adequate compensation by the government. The
free housing space must be distributed among the remaining residents to improve the living spaces. The adoption of new
compensation regulations is recommended, for example, increase of compensation according to length of tenure. Residents need to
be presented with clearly defined choices, to achieve any desirable voluntary decrease of population denisty in the inner city area.

6.4 Publicity
After the completion of the pilot plan and the creation of the necessary logistical framework, information systems should be set up to publicise the project
to residents and offices in the affected Hutong areas. The neighborhood committees will play a key role in disseminating information to residents about
the rehabilitation program, details of building conservation regulations, infrastucture upgrading, and the role that they are expected to play. A campaign to
explain the importance of preservation and highlight the privilege of living in the protected area will aim to motivate residents to participate.

60

7. Conclusion
Beijing is rightfully described as being a master piece of mediaeval urban planning. The few remaining patches of historic Beijing are of immense
value, and the urgency of their preservation is widely recognized. A recent municipal regulation, Conservation Planning of Historical & Cultural City
of Beijing is a great step forward recognising the potential of old Beijing, without compromising the modernity of Chinas bustling capital. Beijing
should preserve aspects of its unique historic urban character, and develop modern up-to-date methodology to upgrade and rehabilitate the historic
neighbourhgoods instead. Once the historic aspect has been completely changed into a new aspect, the city will have lost its own original
character forever. The Hutong lane represents an integral part of the unique character of this historical city. People now say If there are no more
Hutongs then there will be no Beijing. For sustainable urban rehabilitation, all sectors of society must be encouraged to participate for the greater
benefit of Beijing. A permanent effort will be needed to sustain the citys unique character. The present conservation proposal is only a start. The
rest is up to the government and people of Beijing, determining the shape this city will take in the following decades.

61

Sources:
Urban Preservation
<China Historic & Cultural City Preservation & Construction-> China Historic & Cultural City Institution Culture Relics Publication house
1987 <Historic & Cultural City Preservation Theory and Planning> Ruan Yi San, Wang Jing Hui Shanghai Tong Ji University press 1999
<The Conservation Planning of 25 Historic Areas in Beijing Old City> Beijing City Planning Committee Beijing Yan Shan Publishing house 2002
<Lhasa Old City Conservation Master Plan> Andre Alexander, Pimpim de Azevedo, Okuma Ken Tibet Heritage Fund International 2002
<Collected Words of Historic & Cultural City and Old Building Preservation by Luo Zhe Wen> Luo Zhe Wen China Architecture & Industry Publishing house 2003

Urban Development
<Beijing Urban Planning and Construction over the past 50 years> Zhang Jing Gan China Bookstore press 2001
<Contemporary Redevelopment in the Inner City of Beijing> Fang Ke China Architecture & Industry Press 2001

History
<Yuan Da Du> Chen Gao Hua Beijing Publication house
<Shi Cha Hai> Zhang Bi Zhong Beijing Tourism Publication house 1988
<Beijing Scenic spots & Historical sites> Beijing City Culture Relics Management Bureau Beijing Yan Shan Publishing
house 1992 <Beijings Hutong> Weng Li Beijing Yan Shan Publishing house 1997
<Xuan Nan Hong Xue Tu Zhi> Wang Shi Ren Beijing Architecture & Industry Publishing house
1997 <Beijing Si-He-Yuan> Wang Qi Ming China Bookstore press 1999
<China Ancient Architecture History> Liu Dun Zhen China Architecture & Industry Publishing house
1984 <History of Beijing> Beijing University History Department Beijing Publication house 1999
<Beijing Urban History and Geography> Hou Ren Zhi Beijing Yan Shan Publishing house 2000 <A
Pictorial History of Chinese Architecture> Liang Si Cheng San Lian Bookstore press 2001

<Dictionary of Beijing Place Names> Wang Bin, Xu Xiu Shan China Wen Lian Publishing
house 2001 <Ancient Beijing City Management> Ying Jun Ke Tong Xin Publishing house 2002
<La Structure Urbaine du Vieux Pekin et sa Protection> Xu Ping Fang Ecole Francaise dExtremeOrient 2002 <Si-He-Yuan> Gao Wei Xue Yan Publishing house 2003
<Kao Gong Ji Tu Shuo> Dai Wu San Shan Dong Hua Bao Publishing house 2003
<Brief introduction of Chinese Residential Buildings> Liu Dun Zhen Bai Hua Literature and Art Publishing house 2004
Architecture Technique
<China Old Buildings Restoration Technique> Ministry of Culture, Culture Relics Preservation Department China Architecture & Industry Publishing
house 1983 <China Old Buildings wooden structure and technique> Ma Bing Jian Science Publishing house 1991
<Research of Fengshui Theory> Wang Qi Heng Tian Jin University Publishing house 1992 <China Old
Buildings roof tiles and stone work> Liu Da Ke China Architecture & Industry Publishing houses 1993
<Beijing Courtyard House Architecture> Ma Bing Jian Tian Jin University Publishing house 1999
<Qing dynasty authorities style Architecture Structure> Bai Li Juan, Wang Jing Fu Beijing Industry University Publishing
house 2000 <Not Only Chinese Wooden Architecture> Zhao Guang Chao San Lian Bookstore press 2000
Photography & Drawing Documents
<Old Photos of Beijing> Fu Gong Yue Peoples Fine Art Publishing house 1989
<Beijing Old City> Beijing municipal Institute of City Planning & Design 1996

<Historical Photos of Old Beijing> Zhengyangmen Administration Department, Beijing Municipality Beijing Publishing
house 1996 <La Memoire de Pekin> Sheng Xi Shang Foreign Language Publishing house 1999

62

<Old Beijing-In the Shadow of Imperial Throne-> Xu Cheng Bei Foreign Language Press
2001 <Images de Pekin> Musee Albert-Kahn China Forestry Publishing house 2001

<Read Hutong> Yang Xin Economic daily Publishing house 2001

<The Old City Gates of Beijing> Fu Gong Yue Beijing Art and Photography Publishing house 2002
Map
<Qian Long Beijing City Map> Beijing City Old Building Institute & Beijing City Culture Relics Bureau Information Center Beijing Yan Shan
Publishing house <Beijing Street & Hutong Map> China Map Publishing house 1999
Social Issue
<Housing A Billion Volume 3: Housing Renewal in Beijing Observation and Analysis-> Zheng Lian McGill University
1996
<Analysis of Hutong Social Survey> Hirako Yutaka, Lundrup Dorje Tibet Heritage Fund International 2002
Credits:
Produced by Hirako Yutaka, Lundrup Dorje, Andre Alexander, Pimpim de Azevedo for Tibet Heritage Fund International
With the additional input of
Okuma Ken, Japanese architect
Li Zhen, Chinese researcher
Liang Ya Qing, Chinese architect
Margaret Miller, British water engineer
Tsinghua University School of Architect for Social Survey
All photos taken by Hirako Yutaka / Tibet Heritage Fund International

Contact
Tibet Heritage Fund International
THF
Berliner Str.68
13189 Berlin, Germany
12, Chao Dou Hutong
Dong Cheng 100009 Beijing, PRC
Contact: Andre Alexander, Pimpim de Azevedo, Hirako Yutaka, Lundrup Dorje
+86-(0)10-64049531, (0)13651058075
thf@163bj.com
://www.tibetheritagefund.org

dad slo ven los valores econmicos de reliquias culturales y naturales, pero saben poco sobre el valor histrico, cientfico, cultural y artstico de
uias naturales y culturales se estn produciendo con frecuencia. Algunos lderes de la ciudad simplemente consideran las construcciones de edificios
uias histricas y culturales. Su desmantelamiento a gran escala y la construccin durante la reconstruccin de la ciudad vieja han daado muchos
eras reliquias histricas y construir sitios histricos falsas y escenas artificiales. A pesar de que han pasado una gran cantidad de dinero que los

rcera conferencia de representante de la Asociacin China de Alcaldes, titulado Cmo manejar adecuadamente la relacin entre la modernizacin de

construccin de la restauracin, incluyendo muchos aos trabajando en la rehabilitacin del centro de Lhasa. Han estudiado y visit proyectos de

de este proyecto, y para la celebracin de la conferencia, "El futuro de la vieja Beijing y el conflicto entre modernizacin y conservacin". THF
nrich-Bll-Stiftung, Misereor y la UNESCO por su patrocinio, y el gobierno local de Shi Cha Hai y la Oficina de Planificacin de Beijing por su

ltima dcada, el rpido desarrollo ha dado lugar a una notable mejora en la calidad de vida de muchos ciudadanos. Al mismo tiempo, sin embargo,

entras que en muchas zonas, la reciente remodelacin ha acabado con la textura de arquitectura sutil y disposicin espacial de los siglos precedentes.
pareciendo rpidamente como las razas de la ciudad hacia adelante en el siglo 21. En los ltimos aos, el gobierno ha puesto un nmero de carriles
e que, al ritmo actual, la reurbanizacin pronto engullir y destruir las antiguas casas con patio para siempre. Grupos y comits se han formado para
Beijing permitirse el lujo de tener una vivienda de una sola planta en su centro? No son las casas con patio demasiado en ruinas, y carente de confort,
iedad equilibrarse con las necesidades de re-desarrollo comercial? Mientras se estn discutiendo estas cuestiones, el re-desarrollo va sin descanso en.

stricos trae beneficios considerables. Este plan se propone demostrar que la rehabilitacin es tambin conveniente para Beijing. Las opiniones de los
a, y podra ser utilizado para la rehabilitacin de casas con patio individual. Con el fin de preservar el carcter de un barrio histrico de Pekn, sin
ursin de las carreteras ms importantes destruye contexto urbano original de los hutongs '. El valor de la Hutong radica en la disposicin espacial
principio sobre el cual restantes trimestres del histrico Beijing tienen la intencin de preservar.

o. Llegados a este punto de equilibrio,

a capital llegara a ser slo otra cara menos mega-ciudad.

s partes histricas Hutong de Pekn. Las medidas propuestas tambin podran ser adoptadas por otros barrios, pero la propuesta se centra en los
ricos intactos ahora quedan en Beijing.

es

s lagos y cursos de agua naturales y artificiales en la zona central son parte de un antiguo sistema de agua con lo que el agua dulce de Yu Quan Shan y
s promedio durante el da), mientras est caliente y hmedo en el verano.

ados adicionales trae el total a 17,4 millones de personas. La zona histrica de Pekn, delimitada por las antiguas murallas de la ciudad, ocupa 1,75
n tamao total de 62km2. El ms importante de los dos es el rea de 38 km2 originalmente comprendido por las antiguas murallas.

n se refiere a las murallas de la antigua ciudad imperial, de los cuales slo quedan algunos fragmentos). El segundo lugar histrico es la zona
dad amurallada. El rea objetivo del Plan de Conservacin se encuentra entre la Ciudad Prohibida y la seccin norte de la segunda carretera de

os. Su historia como la capital de China se extiende por las dinastas Jin, Yuan, Ming y Qing.

les. En 1153, bajo el nombre de Jin-Zhongdu, Beijing lleg a ser la capital ms importante de la dinasta Jin En 1267, Kublai Khan orden el traslado
ndolo Dadu. Dadu es considerado como el precursor de la actual Pekn. Despus de la cada de la dinasta Yuan, en 1368, Dadu-Beijing perdi
Di decidi reintegrar el sitio Dadu como la capital Ming, la construccin de una nueva capital all bajo el nombre de Beijing en 1421.

do durante la guerra civil, Pekn se ha mantenido como la capital desde entonces. (Fuente: 'BEIJING URBANO HISTORIA Y angiografa', Beijing

e Beijing una de las ciudades de planificacin centralizada ms antiguas del mundo, y un importante ejemplo vivo de la antigua china de planificacin

orecieron una rejilla rectangular calle con un palacio en el centro, rodeado de templos y mercados, y un nmero auspicioso de 12 puertas en diferentes

fue posteriormente ampliada y adaptada, tomando su forma definitiva durante la dinasta Qing (1664-1911). Compuesto central de palacio de la corte
cios y templos, y demoler lo viejo. De acuerdo con la investigacin arqueolgica, la Colina del Carbn (Jin Shan) es de hecho el montn de escombros

e encuentra el complejo del palacio de la Ciudad Prohibida, flanqueado por cuatro templos, uno en cada direccin cardinal. Yue Tan, Templo de la
mientras Tian Tan, el Templo del Cielo, se encuentra al sur. Los templos 'ubicacin, establecido durante la dinasta Ming, refleja Yin Yang Wu Xing, la
as, mientras que la 'ciudad exterior "tena 7.

nasta Yuan registros de Pekn. Hay varias teoras sobre el significado original de la palabra, el ser ms popular que significa "pozo de agua". Yuan
s de ancho) y Hutongs (9.3m de ancho). Las grandes calles y calles pequeas en su mayora corrieron norte-sur, mientras que los carriles Hutong, en

ron plantados en los patios, mientras que ms tarde fueron plantados a lo largo de los lados de los carriles Hutong. Mapas de la dinasta Qing y la Era
aostas, confucionistas y deidades locales) fueron una vez activa en todas las zonas Hutong. Muchos de ellos todava existen hoy, aunque muchos se

china urbana planificacin, la arqueologa y la sociologa. Beijing tambin conserva miles de edificios histricos de diversos tipos, de diferentes
alacios, jardines imperiales, monasterios, templos, puentes, edificios residenciales, edificios de estilo europeo y monumentos revolucionarios de la
Tian Ning Si desde la dinasta Liao, Bai Ta Si templo y la pagoda Wan Cancin de la dinasta Yuan.

ractersticas distintas, lo que refleja los diferentes grupos sociales que las habitaban.

en Yuan-Dadu. Las calles estaban dispuestas principalmente en una cuadrcula. La mayor parte del interior de la ciudad era residencial en carcter,

o de los prncipes y otros miembros de la realeza. Dentro de un bloque situado al este de Tian An Men plaza conocida como Dong Jiao Min Xiang,

Zhi asent sus compatriotas, los manches, en los barrios que rodean su palacio. Mongoles estaban ubicados en zonas adyacentes en el interior de la
que hay muchas calles tortuosas y estrechas callejuelas. Los edificios son a una escala mucho menor que en el interior de la ciudad. La ciudad exterior
os, cada una inspiracin arquitectnica dibujo de su respectiva regin natal. La institucin de la 'Hui Guan' era una oficina de enlace entre Beijing y

abaj como un centro activo de la comunidad. Haba alrededor de 460 'Hui Guan ", ubicado dentro de la ciudad exterior a finales de la dinasta Qing.

os en torno a uno o de varios patios centrales.

ntado al sur, con dos habitaciones secundarias a cada lado (Er Colmillo). En los lados occidental y oriental son los Xiang Fang. El lado sur cuenta con
al en el extremo sur, y con frecuencia hay una puerta trasera en el lado norte. En general, los principales edificios de viviendas estn orientados al sur,
pales. Este diseo se adapta bien al clima de Beijing. Una gran atraccin de la casa patio es su atmsfera tranquila y pacfica, proporcionando un
vida tradicional de las familias urbanas de China.

de madera pintadas de columnas y pilares contrastan con los ladrillos grises y tejas, creando la combinacin Beijing Hutong distinta.

s restricciones fueron clasificados de acuerdo a la condicin de propietario. Las limitaciones incluyen normas sobre el color y el estilo de tejas, el
911, se le permiti ningn edificio de viviendas de ms de un piso. Se consider impensable que los seres ordinarios deben tener casas ms altas que

s fueron convertidos para albergar a varias familias como arrendatarios. Con las limitaciones de espacio y la infraestructura dentro de un Si-l -Yuan,
rno de vida y la calidad de la vieja Beijing, aunque compartida con otros tres o cuatro familias. La cntrica ubicacin es conveniente para el trabajo,
mas de trnsito y transporte de Beijing colapsaran. Muchos residentes de Beijing tambin dicen que viven en la planta baja es ms saludable, ya que se
a, y es ampliamente considerado como un elemento esencial de la cultura china.

e Pekn no pudo cumplir con el papel de una moderna capital de siglo 20. En el mismo ao, se cre el comit de planificacin urbana de Beijing. Este
. Estos expertos tenan diversas opiniones y sugerencias. Cabe destacar que el arquitecto Liang-Si-Cheng propuso "mantener la vieja ciudad y la

ico.

e plan se basa en el concepto de "ciudad madre infancia", propuso una ciudad principal central rodeado por 40 ciudades satlites. Para promover el
oductor. El nfasis que resulta en la industrializacin, incluyendo la construccin de fbricas comunales dentro del interior de la ciudad, llev a niveles

dad fueron daados irrevocablemente. La Oficina de Planificacin Urbana de Beijing fue cerrada, lo que resulta en la ocupacin incontrolada y el
a superpoblacin de hoy en los patios residenciales.

iudad de Beijing Plan Maestro de Construccin". El plan inclua disposiciones para el desarrollo industrial, control de la poblacin, la mejora de la
arreteras de hoy en da.

ara el desarrollo de Beijing, lo que refleja el clima poltico y econmico cambiante.

tado de Beijing como una ciudad internacional aspirante. Destac la necesidad de un equilibrio en la integracin de vanguardia en el desarrollo
e la ciudad histrica y cultural de Beijing en septiembre de 2002. Este plan proporciona directrices detalladas para la proteccin de la ciudad vieja. La

eja>

r, azot el rea de Beijing, con su epicentro a Tang Shan (a 180 kilometros de la ciudad de Beijing). Beijing fue directamente afectada, con ms de
eligrosos. En la zona antigua de la ciudad de Beijing, todava es posible ver restos de los daos causados por el terremoto de Tang Shan.

asado, el boxeador Uprising, la Invasin de Ocho Potencias, la guerra japonesa y la guerra civil, y de hecho la Revolucin Cultural, han dejado su
40 aos, especialmente durante la Revolucin Cultural, el 22,5 kilmetro de muro de la ciudad, 22 torretas torres, y muchos parques imperiales
: Encuesta, Anlisis y Estudio, estudio de doctorado por Sr. Fang Ke, publicado por la Universidad de Tsinghua en junio de 2000).

entos concomitantes en los precios del suelo y de la propiedad. El negocio de reurbanizacin propiedad resultante condujo al desmembramiento de
uias culturales y estaban protegidos. Desafortunadamente los planes de conservacin dieron ningn concepto detallado para la conservacin de barrios
icos Xin Bao y de investigacin por el arquelogo Xu Pingfang). Hutongs ms demolidas han sido reemplazados con los rascacielos construidos por
s sitios de los antiguos hutongs. La rpida disminucin de los conjuntos histricos de Beijing se convirti rpidamente en una preocupacin a nivel

e preservacin. El ltimo plan, publicado en 2002, es "Planificacin para la Conservacin de Histrico y Cultural de la Ciudad de Pekn. Esto da 25
in. Su xito depende de la aplicacin estricta, que bien puede ser obstaculizado por la contradiccin no resuelta entre el desarrollo y la conservacin.
nforme tiene como objetivo apoyar estas ideas y desarrollarlas an ms para sugerir algunas soluciones viables.

un mercado inmobiliario en auge. En algunos pases de Europa Central el ritmo de la reforma econmica ha sido cuidadosamente controlado. Un
o se vean obligadas a cabo por los precios de los inmuebles han subido vertiginosamente. Los pases que han reformado ms rpidamente, como

falta de mantenimiento. La solucin ms reciente aplicado ha sido el sistema 'Weigai'. Bajo este rgimen, los residentes de edificios en ruinas estn

ie de nuevos problemas regulatorios y sociales (como la experimentada en Rusia y la antigua Alemania del Este despus de 1990). En cambio, Weigai

dente promedio, espacio vital per cpita ha aumentado de 6,5 metros cuadrados a 12 metros cuadrados en concordancia con el Xiao Kang ("riqueza
Volumen 3: "RENOVACIN DE VIVIENDA EN BEIJING - OBSERVACIN Y ANLISIS 'por Zheng Lian) indica que la mayora de espacio de
menudo en el mismo lugar, despus de la demolicin y reconstruccin. Ellos fueron re-alojados a menudo en el sitio de su hogar original. El espacio
, el espacio vital en realidad disminuy. Desde finales de 1990, el traslado ha sido por lo general a las afueras de la ciudad. En virtud de la Ley de
vivir el espacio no es tomado en cuenta.

g Ke, Tsinghua 2000). Esto ha tenido un impacto enorme en el carcter histrico de Pekn.

as de reurbanizacin de la propiedad tienen va libre para reconstruir antiguas zonas residenciales, con la nica condicin de que vuelvan a casa el
del centro de la ciudad, donde la tierra es barata. Una vez re-ubicado, la gran mayora de los residentes no pueden pagar los precios inflados de sus
oderna para los residentes, en una unidad para volver a desarrollar ms valioso de la tierra de Beijing en las reas centrales histricos.

s de 4 millones de metros cuadrados de barrios Hutong han desaparecido entre 1990and 1999 (estudio de doctorado por Sr. Fang Ke, Tsinghua 2000);
niendo ms presin sobre el sistema de trfico de Beijing y la contribucin a la contaminacin. Desde un punto de vista social, los residentes han
e informacin acerca de la reubicacin Weigai hace residentes temen por sus hogares, lo que los reacios a invertir en el mantenimiento de sus hogares.
u propia rea. Algunos residentes coment, "para el beneficio de unos pocos, la mayora tiene que sufrir".

o personaje de la antigua. El primer ministro, Wen Jiabao, ha pedido a los lderes de la ciudad para colocar igual valor en consideraciones culturales y
estino de los edificios histricos de toda China. En los ltimos aos, los barrios histricos de muchas ciudades chinas han desaparecido totalmente. En
eliquias Culturales. En algunos casos, los desarrolladores han perdido totalmente el punto en lo que se refiere a la conservacin. Ellos han construido
prctica, aunque critic al ms alto nivel, no ha sido hasta ahora legislado eficazmente contra.
sistema Weigai. Conservacin y Ordenacin de rehabilitacin luego deben convertirse en la consideracin principal para la rehabilitacin de las

original (material de construccin, altura, espacios abiertos, etc.) de la zona.

estructuras sociales.

eguridad de la tenencia de planificacin dar residentes la seguridad necesaria para cometer el dinero para mantener sus hogares.
Kuo, el norte segunda carretera de circunvalacin y Jiao Dao Kou, el sistema Weigai debe suspender con efecto inmediato, hasta que una decisin

os edificios histricos que quedan en la zona vieja de la ciudad de Pekn. La primera fase ha sido la identificacin de los barrios histricos intactos,

os histricos deben ser preservados en una escala ms amplia, como cuartos originales de la ciudad en lugar de en forma de fragmentacin rea
para retener los diferentes caracteres de las reas estudiadas.

an el uso de la tierra:

00 familias)

n de preservar el equilibrio actual, el actual uso de la tierra proporcin debe mantenerse.

de circunvalacin, se divide en cuatro distritos. Estos son el distrito de Dong Cheng, distrito Xi Cheng, distrito de Chong Wen y el distrito de Xuan
ficacin, el Comit de Planificacin de la ciudad de Beijing, la Ciudad Cultural Oficina de Reliquias de Beijing, la Oficina de Vivienda y la ciudad de
. Los detalles de la gestin de la ciudad de Pekn ms relevantes para la planificacin de la conservacin se resumen a continuacin.

to es responsable de la planificacin y supervisin de la ejecucin de la construccin de carreteras, la gestin del trfico, proteccin del medio

ema de proteccin del patrimonio de China, Beijing cuenta con 3.550 sitios que figuran como reliquias culturales bajo diferentes niveles de
onio cultural ms grande y el mayor nmero de sitios individuales de cualquier ciudad en China. Cinco sitios de Beijing han sido aceptados como
17 sitios en el condado y de distrito, y 2.513 sitios se enumeran a nivel local. Los sitios protegidos incluyen palacios imperiales, edificios religiosos,
es y monumentos revolucionarios. De acuerdo con las leyes y reglamentos de la Cultura de Proteccin de Reliquias, la Oficina local de Reliquias

vada, vivienda unidad de trabajo y reliquias culturales protegidos. Las responsabilidades se dividen de la siguiente manera:

puede ser sustituida por la planificacin de reas de ms alto nivel y la reurbanizacin.

e de beneficios. Cada unidad de trabajo est a cargo de la gestin. A veces los empleados contribuir al mantenimiento si tienen la tenencia a largo

n habitadas sitios protegidos, se requiere que los residentes de respetar la integridad arquitectnica del edificio.

comerciales, etc.

de

es y extranjeros.) La estacin de polica local

oleccin de basura y reciclaje.

en los patios. La Oficina Verde est a cargo de la grabacin y el mantenimiento de estos rboles.

es destinos tursticos de China. La conservacin de las zonas histricas restantes es de vital importancia para la identidad de Beijing y de los intereses

para identificar una alternativa a la prctica actual de remodelacin comercial de histricas zonas residenciales de Beijing. El proyecto analiz tres
te), calle Xin Jie Kou (al oeste), Ping An Da Dao (al sur) y la carretera segundo anillo (al Norte). Cuando se inici el proyecto, ste era todava un
lmites de las "25 reas de preservacin histrica y cultural de 'Pekn'

s grande dentro de los lmites descritos anteriormente. La preservacin de un rea relativamente grande intacta, libre de las principales carreteras y

ntra en el extremo norte del eje que corre Norte-Sur, a travs del centro del complejo del Palacio Imperial. Originalmente construido en el siglo 13, se
batir de los tambores informados los ciudadanos de la hora del da y tambin indica los das especficos del calendario lunar. Las torres son ahora
equea plaza rodeada de viejas casas con patio residenciales. La plaza es un rea de recreacin popular para los residentes locales, jvenes y viejos.
a residencial. Los planes para reemplazar los edificios residenciales de un parking para autobuses tursticos son similares a matar la gallina de los

Esta es una de las (calles en pendiente) Xiejie ms antiguo de Pekn. Era conocido como Da Yu Ting Xiejie durante el periodo Yuan, convirtindose
Qing adelante para satisfacer un hbito cada vez ms popular. Como su letrero, la tienda muestra un caso Tabaco enorme - un 'yindai'. Tal fue el
mplo Guan Fu Guan, en la seccin central de la calle, se estableci durante el perodo Ming. Actualmente residencial, es uno de los edificios ms
edades, ropa, aperitivos o papelera. Muchos de ellos an conservan las caractersticas arquitectnicas de los edificios tradicionales de tiendas chinas,
a armoniosa combinacin de edificios residenciales y comerciales.

bitadas por 160 familias.

e rejilla de la calle que se remonta a la dinasta Yuan. Cerca del extremo norte de la muralla de la Ciudad Imperial, era un barrio de clase alta,
amente conservados de Pekn.

El estudio detallado se hizo en patios seleccionados.

e 80 familias en las tres zonas de destino. El objetivo era obtener una comprensin de los problemas, las condiciones y las opiniones de los residentes,

n cuatro categoras:

on nuestros datos encuesta, alrededor del 70% de los residentes en las reas de la encuesta Yandai y Gulou son residentes originales de Beijing; en la
us empleados, muchos de los que vienen de otras partes de China.

Cultural), y su fuera de la primavera siguen viviendo con ellos o en sus cercanas. Esto demuestra que los residentes de la zona han formado una
Revolucin Cultural es raro encontrar una familia an habitan su hogar ancestral en cualquier lugar de la China urbana. Por lo tanto, una comunidad
ebe a salvo de nuevo desarraigo. Preservacin de la comunidad es un aspecto importante de la preservacin de los edificios histricos.

dos habitaciones (unos 15m2), con cada familia que consiste en un promedio de 3,5 miembros. La superficie habitable por persona aqu es mucho
cio de 12m2 habitable por persona el' 'Xiao Khang'.

as con su mayor densidad estn sufriendo el problema frecuente de hacinamiento dentro de un patio. Para aumentar el espacio disponible por unidad

nidad de trabajo y propiedad privada. En 1982, segn los datos oficiales, el 53,6% de todo el espacio municipal de suelo de la vivienda era propiedad
aba en manos privadas. Ms del 80% de las viviendas fueron as, indirectamente controlada por el gobierno central.

pblicas, con los restos estn en manos privadas y ninguna vivienda unidad de trabajo. En el rea Chaodou, 63% son viviendas unidad de trabajo, el

erno (en su mayora nacionalizados desde 1950). Los edificios son gestionados por la oficina local de la vivienda. Los alquileres estn subvencionados
uiler medio pagado por cada renta familiar residencial es 44,30 yuanes por mes, alrededor de 2 RMB por metro cuadrado. Dado que el desarrollo de
cios de la tierra en el centro de Beijing se disparan despus de haber sido mantenido artificialmente bajos durante 40 aos. Los alquileres de viviendas
tos negativos. Vivienda en edificios viejos patio era tan barato que pareca a muchos residentes a no ser digno de cualquier inversin de esfuerzo o
s estn convencidos de que tarde o temprano su patio ser demolido y que tendran que alejarse). El departamento de vivienda no tena presupuesto
to destartalado, hacindolos presa fcil para el sistema de reemplazo Weigai.

ncionados de vivienda para sus empleados, una prctica establecida en la dcada de 1950. En estos das, todava hay unidades de trabajo de propiedad
arte de un paquete que tambin incluye salarios, atencin mdica y algunas veces incluso la escolarizacin de los hijos de los empleados) . La unidad
ho mejores condiciones (incluidas las mejores instalaciones sanitarias y de calefaccin) en la vivienda unidad de trabajo que en la vivienda pblica.

praron patios o los recibieron por parte del gobierno. En los casos en que los propietarios privados alquilan habitaciones, la renta media puede ser de
onas que pagan entre 400 y 800 yuanes por mes a lo privado propietarios de una sola habitacin. Esto da una indicacin til del valor de mercado.
uidos, viviendas particulares tambin se arrasaron de forma rutinaria. Demandas contra esquemas de reurbanizacin hasta ahora siempre se han
gura. Generalmente la vivienda privada se encuentra en buen estado o razonable, porque a pesar de la inseguridad que se ha mencionado, los

la dinasta Qing. Reglas de diseos y tamaos que proscriben en relacin con las jerarquas de la sociedad imperial ya no estaban en vigor. Durante las
s de personas sin hogar tras el terremoto de Tangshan en 1976, se hicieron an ms sub-divisin, dando lugar a un brote de edificios de extensin
modificado o reconstruido los edificios originales. Sin embargo, durante nuestra encuesta, encontramos que era posible en muchos casos para

estudio marcado como sitios de reliquias culturales han conservado su estructura original razonablemente bien, incluso si se utiliza como vivienda. La
os se han llenado con extensiones, y en Yandai, se conservan las fachadas de la calle con sus viejas ventanas talladas, pero dentro de las estructuras

a por insectos y la putrefaccin, y la humedad del suelo se arrastran por las paredes. La mayora de los problemas fueron causados por la falta de
habilitacin deben incluir mecanismos para corregir estas fallas. En lo que respecta a la rehabilitacin, varios de los sitios requieren extensas
to regular no ser muy costoso si se hace sobre una base anual. Encontramos rehabilitacin preferible reconstruccin.

de unidades de trabajo y sitios de reliquias culturales-sealado. En Yandai y Gulou, las fachadas se han mantenido y restaurado a veces, pero siempre
contramos muchos casos en los que los residentes haban hecho algunos trabajos de mantenimiento, pero nos dijeron que debido a las limitaciones
ms, tambin a menudo carecan de conocimientos tcnicos acerca de cmo resolver los problemas en la estructura del techo o de madera, o cmo
pinturas de fachadas, pero est claro que la responsabilidad para el mantenimiento era muy claro. Muchos residentes simplemente culparon al

n metro de agua comn. Muchas familias extienden lneas de agua en sus casas por su cuenta. Tarifas de agua Raising estn causando inquietud o
nea (o al menos su propia metros) para evitar disputas sobre facturas de agua.

orado sistemas de ducha solares simples que se pueden utilizar durante el verano, pero estos sistemas no estn actualmente disponibles para todos
una ducha en una cierta forma (aunque slo durante el verano).

dou en 2000-2002, pero la mayora de los patios tena instalaciones de drenaje slo es muy bsicos, con un agujero de drenaje conectado al
e drenaje.

ento de agua y alcantarillado y drenaje, incluyendo la separacin de las aguas pluviales y alcantarillado para el tratamiento para combatir la escasez

a.

do por 77 familias en promedio. Pero unas pocas familias tienen baos privados o compartidos en su patio.

zona.

amilias comparten un bao.

por la noche y durante los inviernos fros) y la falta de higiene. Los baos pblicos son mantenidos por el gobierno, y en las zonas residenciales, su
iones bomba. Tradicionalmente, cada patio tena al menos un inodoro de compostaje, pero el sistema de recogida de estircol qued obsoleta como
n algunos casos cerca de Yandai todava encontramos los baos ecolgicos originales.

e ser identificado, y una conexin a las aguas residuales necesita ser hecho [y pagado]. En el rea Chaodou, el 22% de las familias residentes ya tienen
ash agua, mejorando considerablemente las condiciones de higiene, especialmente en el verano.

zo por lo general tiene temperaturas bajo cero). El sistema de uso comn no es muy eficiente, y provoca la contaminacin del aire, pero es muy barato
s precios del carbn estn aumentando. Algunos residentes de la zona Chaodou gastaron alrededor de 300 a 400 RMB por el invierno para calentar

bajo. Tambin encontramos varios sistemas elctricos (aire acondicionado, calentador elctrico), sino porque la electricidad es relativamente caro, no
e utilizarn por primera vez en el invierno de 2003/2004. Sistemas de calefaccin de gas an no estn disponibles en las reas Hutong, pero sera una

Olmpicos que se celebrarn en la ciudad en el ao 2008. Por lo tanto, es necesario que un nuevo sistema de calefaccin se debe instalar con urgencia.

cuada se puede poner en su lugar. Despus de las experiencias de muchas personas han tenido con los esquemas de planificacin centralizada,
ejora de la calidad del aire seran entonces objeto de un seguimiento anual de cada esquema de calefaccin individual. Por esta razn, proponemos un

ciones improvisadas fuera de ladrillos con amianto o de hoja de lata techos. Estas habitaciones se utilizan principalmente como cocinas, pero en
ridades de vivienda para erigir este tipo de estructuras, adems de la fragilidad del diseo y la naturaleza a menudo peligrosos de los materiales
ueando la luz del sol y causando el acceso un efecto slumification, responsable de gran parte de la mala imagen de residencias Hutong. La eliminacin
n espacio adecuado por residente puede ser resuelto de manera satisfactoria.

n las habitaciones

s familias separadas, la falta de espacio es el mayor desafo para cualquier esfuerzo de rehabilitacin. La instalacin de nuevas instalaciones como
ir una existencia digna. Hemos identificado una serie de soluciones:

que se construir con materiales adecuados, podemos asegurar que la gente, al menos, no tienen mucho menos espacio que en comparacin con antes

y otras cosas extraas. Nuevas instalaciones de almacenamiento pueden ser creados bajo tierra.

actualidad, el espacio debajo de la estructura del techo no se utiliza y bloqueado, y las fugas habituales de techo necesita ser fija antes de que el

en casas con patio de hacinamiento en callejones estrechos, y cualquier plan de rehabilitacin debe incorporar un sistema de control de incendios.

en la habitacin y conseguir ms espacio abierto

n una serie de factores que actualmente estn impidiendo a los residentes de hacerlo.
ser derribada bajo el sistema Weigai. Incluso la propiedad privada es insegura, ya que las prcticas favorecen esquemas actuales rea de

o diez das antes de que comience la demolicin (reglamentos oficiales se limitan a afirmar que los desarrolladores necesitan para informar a los
a cabo un mantenimiento regular.

del techo. La situacin de tenencia insegura les impide obtener prstamos bancarios. La mayora de los residentes tambin carecen de conocimientos
ales patch-ups.

tructura general de la zona

n entre mover o permanecer. 64% de los residentes eran en su mayora satisfechos y como su casa, el 26% estaban satisfechos y no le gustaba su

uy distinta de mandarn, con palabras nicas, expresiones y formas de saludo. Hemos encontrado que a pesar de que en algunos patios hay poco
bo siempre que sea necesario. Las personas tambin les gusta pasar su tiempo libre sentados en pequeos taburetes en los callejones y hablando con
lor, hay un ambiente idlico especial de una comunidad a gusto con su entorno.

diario (trabajo, escuela, etc.), ir de compras, sistema de gestin de la basura (operado por el gobierno), las relaciones con sus vecinos y la ubicacin

ntes y transentes de inmediato aviso de la gente charlando en los carriles, haciendo sus ejercicios, sentado en pequeas sillas jugando al ajedrez. Los

ministro conveniente de las necesidades diarias de los residentes, y los puntos adicionales para conocer e interactuar con los dems residentes. La
su satisfaccin con el sistema de gestin de basuras, con solamente la separacin de basura para su reciclaje ms fcil nombrado como posible

poseen automviles, queran ver alguna forma de control de trfico, ya que consideraban que los extranjeros trajeron demasiado trfico de
bacin del medio ambiente de otro modo sereno. Si se cortan grandes carreteras ms a travs de las reas Hutong (o si cada vez se abrieron caminos
n lugar de resolver los problemas de trfico har peores .

acer sus compras. Y la bicicleta, a pesar de ser considerado como algo anticuado, sigue siendo el modo ms conveniente, el medio ambiente y la
istricos.

es evitar que este modo de vida de ser mimado por el trfico de automviles el bloqueo de los estrechos callejones.

o aparcamiento centrales desde donde los residentes tendran que viajar a pie o en bicicleta a sus hogares, y el desarrollo de los planes de transporte
n los autobuses pasan por las estrechas callejuelas interiores.

, de trabajo y de compras fcil. Adems, los alquileres son baratos, el barrio es agradable y seguro, la comunidad est estrechamente unida, el

s como una infraestructura deficiente, muchas casas de estar en mal estado, y que tiene un futuro incierto en el marco del sistema de Weigai.

onstruccin, ms del 60% expres su preferencia de permanecer en su actual carril de Hutong en cualquier circunstancia (incluso si se ofrece una
ca adecuada, y en funcin de la idoneidad y la ubicacin del nuevo piso. Sin compensacin suficiente, el 82% se negara a moverse.

calefaccin central, ducha y flush-aseos, y recibir algn tipo de compensacin, sino que tienen que comprar su nueva adelantado plana por un importe
dor no slo obtiene altamente valiosas tierras interiores de la ciudad, pero hace que el beneficio adicional de la venta de pisos en lugares no deseados.

as sociales de higiene, seguridad y medio ambiente. El nivel de interactividad se determina la eficiencia de la organizacin de las acciones necesarias
onas residenciales de Beijing.

seras y servicio de bicicletas

nas histricas en Beijing como protegidas, y que eran ms conscientes de que tambin se incluy su rea (es decir, cada una de tres reas encuestadas).
cin Nan Chi Zi, otra de las 25 reas protegidas, que fue demolido en parte en 2002.
importante del patrimonio cultural chino. As que encontramos la mayora de los habitantes est preocupado por el tema de la conservacin.

yendo algunos reconstruccin].

e patio.

a conservacin.

er las casas y los residentes.

s mtodos realistas para la preservacin de los hutongs, al mismo tiempo, muchos credo necesario tener un fuerte apoyo por parte del gobierno con
as con patio individuales). Cuando se le pregunt a considerar todos los aspectos positivos y negativos de la vida Hutong y, a continuacin, decidir si
s consideraran como una compensacin adecuada y nuevas viviendas razonablemente aceptable, siendo el 60% se negara a moverse.

evar un montn de visitantes de todo el mundo. Pero slo el 35% dara la bienvenida a los turistas a entrar en sus patios, mientras que el 39% lo
vida eran demasiado pobres para ser vistos por los visitantes del exterior, por lo que pensaron que las reparaciones y mejoras seran necesarios antes

ierno tendra que prestar ms atencin a la zona y mejorar la infraestructura, ofrecer reducciones de impuestos a las empresas de la zona, y los

bsorben los beneficios con poca izquierda para los residentes, y un resultado negativo sera que los alquileres eran probable que aumente si las reas se

de la noche, con muchos bares abiertos recientemente, restaurantes y tiendas de recuerdos. Desde el punto de conservacin edificio histrico de vista,
y sombrillas. Por la noche, la msica alta y luces llamativas son preocupantes las zonas residenciales circundantes. La presin del trfico va en
ou Hai) tal cambio es inevitable en una economa de mercado. Sin embargo, este desarrollo no puede ser visto como un modelo para el futuro de las
miento tambin llevara a la desaparicin de los barrios histricos de Pekn. Para proteger las zonas histricas del turismo y la comercializacin
er el objetivo oficial del proyecto de rehabilitacin. Para crear calles histricas falsas para los turistas, como en la de Pekn, Liu Li Chang, puede ser
e barrio, por lo que esta prctica tambin no se recomienda para las reas Hutong restantes .

%, quiere seguir viviendo en la comunidad Hutong aunque ofreci alternativas razonables. Mucho ms grave que la fuga techos y aseos falta es una
r da en sus puertas. Esto evita que los residentes de mantenimiento de sus edificios. Los residentes tambin elogiaron abrumadoramente la calidad de
de compras, la seguridad, y que tiene excelentes relaciones sociales con los vecinos. Para la mayora, esta compensado la falta de espacio y las
puesto al da con los rpidos cambios en el resto de la sociedad, donde las reformas econmicas abolir los subsidios viejos, y as que haba un
entaje de los pekineses nativos y residentes de larga duracin que han vivido all por ms de 30 aos.

a zona se ha completado la transicin de la propiedad feudal de una familia moderna arrendamiento multifamiliares razonablemente bien. En nuestra

y deben participar activamente. La mejor solucin para la rehabilitacin radica en la microgestin, la bsqueda de soluciones ms adecuadas para cada
de infraestructuras, controles de restriccin de trfico y la proteccin del medio ambiente. Esta es la forma ms realista para preservar La Hutong del

diatamente.

patrimonio cultural

n de las zonas Hutong

onservacin, implementado por la cooperacin entre THF y Tsinghua escuela universitaria de Arquitecto en 2002.

ario ancestral de la familia Yan, no estaba habitada, ya que se consider inadecuada para vivir en un edificio que contiene imgenes budistas. Durante
para varias familias. Los propietarios originales, la familia Yan, siguen ocupando algunas de las habitaciones. La casa est construida en torno a un
ones y modificaciones a la estructura de patio, el edificio conserva muchas caractersticas originales, como las tejas, estructuras de madera, tallas y

a al condado magistrado Bao Ding. Despus de la Revolucin Cultural, fue posedo y habitado por una mujer que ms tarde emigr. Sus familiares

ms simple. En medio del patio es un 2 x 10m de drenaje a cielo. Originalmente se trataba de un refugio antiareo, construido a principios de la
" poltica.

son viviendas pblicas.

struido extensiones. El espacio de extensin se utiliza como espacio de la cocina (16.36m2), espacio (30.84m2) que viven, y las reas de

ios.

47m2) que viven, y las reas de almacenamiento (4.08m2).

m2 = 41%: 59%

ucen a las casas individuales. Aun as, el espacio vital disponible por persona es bastante limitado, siendo menos de la mitad de la media nacional
ica edificio, como se indica a continuacin.

e patio comn con conexin a alcantarillado. Algunos residentes han construido su propio sistema de ducha, ya sea elctrica o energa solar. Drenaje
ios. Los residentes usan los baos pblicos en la calle cercana. Todos los residentes usan calefaccin de carbn en el invierno.

do y bajando la humedad, con techos con goteras, maderas parcialmente podridos y las paredes hmedas. El progreso de daos ha sido gradual y
del techo podrido, el reemplazo de la que ahora consiste en tomar de la azotea. La eliminacin inadecuada de las aguas residuales tambin ha
a infraestructura y la motivacin de los residentes a mantener sus propios hogares.

tos internacionales como la Asociacin Internacional de Abogados en Berln, el Programa de la calle principal en los EE.UU. y la rehabilitacin de la
la actual comunidad residente es muy arraigada y es inseparable de la atmsfera de la ciudad vieja. Pekn ya tiene uno de los mayores museos del
se convierten en pueblos del museo.

dentes actuales y volver a desarrollar los patios de las familias ricas. Hasta ahora, esto no ha sido econmicamente exitosa. Uno de los problemas con
ricos tienden a no utilizar tiendas y mercados locales, mantener sus puertas cerradas y utilizar los vehculos particulares para desplazarse. As que
nfraestructura de transporte - los carriles de la dinasta Yuan. Durante el siglo pasado, un sistema feudal se ha transformado en una comunidad social
y crear un sentimiento de injusticia y desigualdad.

os a largo plazo), muchos de los problemas actuales se resolveran. Gran parte de la responsabilidad de mantenimiento podran adoptarse por los
echa colaboracin con la comunidad. En una red de cooperacin tal, cada grupo hubiera designado responsabilidades, que pueden incluir:

bitantes originales de largo plazo.

ero de nuevos residentes que se desplazan en el distrito) b) Entrada de Residentes

de la zona del patio, calefaccin)

io ms pequeo cerca de la entrada son sin embargo original y tener un valor conservacionista. La zona central del patio se ha llenado de extensiones,
o del edificio. En este caso se sugiere el siguiente enfoque:

es tradicionales como tejas, ladrillos grises y ventanas talladas.

debajo de la cubierta a dos aguas, sin alterar el lmite de altura original de 6m. Creacin de este espacio adicional, que puede ser utilizado como
extensiones deben ser re-diseados para liberar espacio del patio, y reconstruidas con materiales tradicionales y semi-tradicionales. Ladrillos grises
no puede ser una solucin especialmente para la construccin de nuevas alas residenciales. Los residentes han participado en el diseo de la

llo tradicional y plantando flores, arbustos y rboles.

ay 12 familias que viven aqu en condiciones muy concurridos. Ser necesario crear espacio adicional.

e ningn edificios de extensin. Esto requerira la ayuda del gobierno para identificar a una vivienda alternativa adecuada para el realojo de los
la vivienda nueva ofrecido y en arreglos acuerdos de compensacin financiera.

dos los cuartos de servicio propuesto.

meabilizacin de los techos, la eliminacin de la humedad, mejorar la ventilacin y la luz solar, y abriendo el espacio debajo de la estructura de la
n inodoro comn y una unidad de ducha comunal se instalarn en el patio.

, el compuesto puede ser reconstruido a un diseo diferente, mejor acomodar las familias residentes. Es posible instalar dos plantas dentro del lmite
storye desde el exterior. El lmite histrico de un piso en la construccin de viviendas en Beijing es nico, por lo que debe ser preservado tanto como
tricos. Miembros de hormign internos podran ser utilizados en las que no son visibles.

os, puede ser posible para la vivienda reconstruida para absorber los residentes de patios cerca de hacinamiento. Tales ajustes deben tener en cuenta a
fuera del centro de la ciudad.

perdido.

do con el plan de ajuste de la poblacin. Esto se denomina "la rehabilitacin y la reconstruccin"

sto se denomina "reconstruccin"

ben estar firmemente basadas en la investigacin de campo en la comunidad y la bsqueda de una solucin Suitbale para cada casa con patio
o nivel de entrada. Se espera que van a hacer contribuciones financieras para sufragar los gastos de conexin de agua, conexin de alcantarillado y
spus de haber contribuido a los costos, los residentes tambin tendrn inters en asegurar el buen uso de su dinero. Se sugiere que los residentes
prensin clara de la divisin de responsabilidades a lo largo de los procesos de planificacin y ejecucin. En algunos casos, cuando las
s de la comunidad en general sobre los de los residentes individuales.

lamento de la Oficina de Reliquias Culturales de Beijing deben hacer los propietarios privados responsables de mantenimiento de sus edificios
de edificios catalogados. La oficina local de la vivienda debera facilitar el establecimiento de un contratista de mantenimiento de buena reputacin
manera que los costos y responsabilidades para reparaciones importantes, tales como techos, sern compartidos entre el gobierno y los residentes.

la capacidad del residente a pagar. El aumento de los ingresos de la renta debe ser utilizado exclusivamente hacia la mejora y reparaciones mayores

ormente. El trabajo debe ser realizado por artesanos locales, utilizando materiales de produccin local. Esto no slo revivir el esplendor histrico
rtesanales. El xito del sistema depende de la mano de obra de alta calidad y precios competitivos. Uno de los objetivos del proyecto es tambin para
rcter. Un amplio enfoque de la vivienda races cepillo, donde las casas se reparan a un diseo estndar, sera muy apropiado para este proyecto.

jos los costos, asegurar una buena mano de obra y aumentar el sentido de propiedad de los residentes. Recientemente, este enfoque result muy
nal. Todos los materiales de construccin y los trabajadores se organizaron por el propietario casa con el permiso del gobierno del distrito.

ento de la seguridad de la tenencia y los acuerdos de distribucin de costos justos est seguro de atraer ms financiacin del proyecto.

s para la rehabilitacin a bajo o ningn inters. De tal manera, los governments'contributions podran limitarse a cubrir solamente mejora de la

e la responsabilidad de mantenimiento. Desde pocos residentes podrn subir con tanto dinero a la vez, un sistema de pago a plazos se podra idear, lo
el proyecto.

eguridad de la tenencia, que slo el gobierno puede guarentee, residentes es poco probable que participar en el proyecto. Coordinacin de los
a y locales del Gobierno. Se sugiere que los acuerdos de contrapartida se deben hacer entre THF y estas oficinas. Entonces estos departamentos y los
opiedad de la vivienda, etc. de informacin transparente y reglas justas esperar para atraer una amplia participacin de la gente para la conservacin

ar sub-arrendamiento de vivienda pblica o el uso de los edificios de viviendas con fines comerciales.

por el gobierno. El espacio de la vivienda libre se debe distribuir entre los residentes restantes para mejorar los espacios de vida. Se recomienda la
la tenencia. Los residentes deben ser presentados con opciones claramente definidas, para lograr cualquier disminucin voluntaria deseable de denisty

para dar a conocer el proyecto a los residentes y oficinas en las zonas afectadas Hutong. Los comits de vecinos jugarn un papel clave en la difusin
n, mejora infrastucture, y el papel que se espera que desempeen. Una campaa para explicar la importancia de la preservacin y resaltar el privilegio

ijing son de inmenso valor, y la urgencia de su conservacin es ampliamente reconocida. Un reglamento municipal reciente, "Planificacin para la
ua Pekn, sin comprometer la modernidad de la bulliciosa capital de China. Beijing debe preservar aspectos de su carcter urbano histrico nico, y
specto histrico ha sido completamente transformado en un nuevo aspecto, la ciudad habr perdido su carcter original siempre. El carril Hutong
no habr Beijing". Para la rehabilitacin urbana sostenible, todos los sectores de la sociedad deben ser animados a participar para el mayor beneficio
nservacin es slo un comienzo. El resto depende de que el gobierno y el pueblo de Beijing, la determinacin de la forma de esta ciudad se llevar en

Cultura Reliquias casa Publicacin 1987 <Histrico y Cultural de la Ciudad de Preservacin Teora y Planificacin> Ruan Yi San, pulse Wang Jing

jing Beijing Yan Shan Editorial 2002 <Lhasa Ciudad Vieja Conservacin Plan Director> Andre Alexander, PIMPIM de Azevedo, Fondo del
de China Wen Arquitectura e Industria Publishing 2003

Contemporneo de la Ciudad Interior de Beijing> Colmillo Ke China, Arquitectura e Industria de Prensa 2001

na de Beijing Yan Shan Publishing 1992 <Hutong de Pekn> Casa Weng Li Beijing Yan Shan Publishing 1997

Wang Qi Ming de China Librera de prensa 1999

eijing> Beijing Universidad de Historia Departamento Beijing casa Publicacin 1999

Architecture> Si Cheng San Lian Librera de prensa 2001

Gestin> casa Ying junio Ke Tong Xin Publishing 2002

uan> casa de Gao Wei Xue Yan Publishing 2003

n de China Arquitectura e Industria Publishing 1983 <estructura y tcnica de madera de China Edificio Antiguo> Casa Ma Jian Bing Ciencia

China Edificio Antiguo> Liu Da Ke China, Arquitectura e Industria Editoriales 1993 <patio de Beijing Casa Arquitectura> Casa Ma Bing Jian Tian

2000 <No slo la arquitectura de madera Chino> Zhao Guang Chao San Lian Librera de prensa 2000

l Instituto de Planificacin Urbana y Diseo 1996

ng Editorial 1996 <La Memoire de Pekin> Sheng Shang Xi Lengua Extranjera Editorial 1999

use Albert-Kahn de China Forestal Publishing 2001

ficina Centro de Informacin de Pekn Yan Shan Editorial <Beijing Street & Hutong Mapa> casa del mapa de China Publishing 1999

Lian 1996

ernacional