CONSERVATION OF THE LILONG BY CATEGORIES IN A MARKET ECONOMY: SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES

Abstract

There are different schools of thoughts on the topic of conservation, some critics believe in the advantages of imitating old forms as the best forward-looking strategy while others insists on differentiating between the old and the new. This dissertation is based on the hypothesis that, by thoroughly examining the range of conservation opportunities available, a more comprehensive heritage conservation plan for the lilong can be developed for Shanghai that may prove to be more economically viable in the long run. In the process, it acknowledges the differentiation of the lilong in terms of physical integrity and location and seeks different solutions to better accommodate them. It proposes methods to carefully balance and pace urban renewal, sale of site for high-rise development, selective repair and rebuilding works and appropriate social intervention, such that a more sustainable and economically practicable development can be achieved.