Landscape narratives and the spirit of place in urban public space renewal
Urban public space renewal faces the challenge of maintaining cultural authenticity while accommodating contemporary needs; however, limited research examines how landscape narratives mediate between physical transformation and the spirit of place. This study examines narrative–spirit mechanisms in urban renewal, using Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu as an empirical case. Mixed methods, including spatial analysis, interviews (n = 68), systematic observation, and participatory mapping, examined narrative–spirit relationships from 2003 to 2024. Results identified three narrative categories: social life (70.4%, n = 38) with dispersed distribution, historical culture (20.4%, n = 11) clustered in heritage zones, and natural ecology (9.3%, n = 5) in transitional spaces. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between narrative types and spirit dimensions—historical narratives with authenticity (r = 0.82, p<0.001) and social narratives with vitality (r = 0.85, p<0.001). Temporal analysis showed synchronized narrative–spirit co-evolution (R2 = 0.92), while spatial analysis identified positive autocorrelation (Moran’s I = 0.101, p<0.001). Distance decay functions indicated narrative effectiveness ranges: historical (75 m), social (50 m), and natural ecology (100 m). Multi-stakeholder evaluation revealed differentiated perceptions, with original residents valuing cultural authenticity (4.6/5.0) and tourists prioritizing public facilities (4.5/5.0). Overall renewal assessment improved from 2.7 to 4.2 (+55.6%), confirming successful integration. This research established landscape narratives as critical mediating mechanisms, providing an integrated framework bridging tangible transformation and intangible meanings. Findings offer evidence-based strategies for narrative-informed design interventions, contributing to culturally sustainable urban renewal in Asian cities.
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