An Urban Regeneration and Redevelopment Framework for Macau's Cilinwei District Based on a Stakeholder-Centered Model

Haixiao YAO
Xi YE
Master of Architecture
Waterfront Urban Architecture and Design
2024-12-20
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the renewal and redevelopment of Macau’s heritage communities play a critical role in promoting urban sustainability and cultural preservation. Cilinwei, the last remaining walled village in Macau, embodies a rich repository of historical narratives and multicultural heritage, making it a significant case for studying heritage-led urban regeneration. This design research employs questionnaire surveys and applies the Q methodology to comprehensively examine the diverse demands of stakeholders involved in the regeneration of this heritage community. The findings reveal that stakeholders’ core concerns regarding the area’s redevelopment can be categorized into five major themes: infrastructure modernization, historical and cultural preservation with enhanced public services, cultural identity and environmental improvement, conservation of historic buildings, and commercialization aligned with environmental quality enhancement.
  • Site Analysis The district features a diverse array of building typologies and a strong sense of community cultural identity. It enjoys convenient transportation access, is well-equipped with basic public service facilities, and has a vibrant ground-floor commercial landscape.
  • Site Plan Preserve the historical architectural character on the western side, improve internal circulation by opening up the enclosed street network, and integrate solid and void spaces to enhance spatial vitality. Increase the number of entrances and expand spatial possibilities to offer greater flexibility and accessibility for both residents and visitors.
  • Axonometric View While preserving residents’ collective memory and habitual spatial experiences, the commercial street also serves as a key enclosing interface within the public space system. The introduction of ground-level vernacular retail and the addition of a second-floor open marketplace foster a diverse range of commercial typologies and programmatic possibilities.