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Urban revitalization in highly localized squares: A case study of the Historic Centre of Macao

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Abstract

This paper focuses on Macao’s indigenous form of public space – chintei – the historic squares that epitomize the former Portuguese colony and remain a unique feature of the city-state under the rubric of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. With Macao currently experiencing the ambivalence of a cultural enclave versus a global gaming hub, the squares are facing an unprecedented phase of transformation where heritage conservation converges or even collides with redevelopment pressures. Discussions are engaged about the government’s stance on preserving and revitalizing the squares, which can be either regarded as residual space or architectural ensemble and project potentiality of urban heritage especially after the inscription of the Historic Centre of Macao on the World Heritage List. Findings from case studies demonstrate that the squares’ revitalization is a process of trial and error that continuously redefines them, and their diminished socio-spatial vitality has yet to be revived.

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Figure 1

Source: DSCC and IC, edited by the authors.

Figure 2

Source: Photo by the authors.

Figure 3

Source: Macao SAR (2004).

Figure 4

Source: photo by the authors.

Figure 5

Source: DSCC and IACM (2013a, b, c, d, 2015), edited by the authors.

Figure 6

Source: Photo by the authors.

Figure 7

Source: Photo courtesy of Pinheiro.

Figure 8

Source: Photos by the authors.

Figure 9

Source: La Série Originale blog (2012).

Figure 10

Source: Photos by the authors.

Figure 11

Source: Photos by the authors.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Francisco Vizeu Pinheiro for his thoughtful and insightful contributions to this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Yongcheng Wang, Keita Yamaguchi & Masashi Kawasaki

  2. Blk 303 Jurong East St 32 #04-90, Singapore, 600303, Singapore

    Yongcheng Wang

  3. Room 203, Bldg C1, Kyoto University Katsura Campus, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8530, Japan

    Keita Yamaguchi

  4. Room 202, Bldg C1, Kyoto University Katsura Campus, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8530, Japan

    Masashi Kawasaki

Authors
  1. Yongcheng Wang
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  2. Keita Yamaguchi
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  3. Masashi Kawasaki
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Correspondence to Yongcheng Wang.

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Wang, Y., Yamaguchi, K. & Kawasaki, M. Urban revitalization in highly localized squares: A case study of the Historic Centre of Macao. Urban Des Int 23, 34–53 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41289-016-0009-5

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