Advantages, dilemmas and optimization of adaptive reuse of modern historic buildings in urban renewal

Abstract

Against the backdrop of China's transition from large-scale urban redevelopment to stock-based, quality-oriented renewal, modern and contemporary historic buildings have emerged as core carriers of urban identity and key assets for high-quality urban development. Focusing on adaptive reuse practices, this paper identifies two dominant renewal modes: authenticity-led conservation and function-oriented adaptation. Through comparative analysis of cases including university heritage buildings, Beihai Old Street, and Dubai's Al Shindagha Museum, the study evaluates both the cultural and economic values of reuse, as well as practical dilemmas such as architectural fabric damage, over-commercialization, and community fragmentation. The findings reveal that the two modes are applicable to distinct contexts, each with inherent practical limitations. Long-term revitalization requires appropriate technical improvements and collaborative management among multiple stakeholders to balance heritage conservation and urban development. Theoretically, this study enriches the systematic evaluation framework for the pros and cons of modern and contemporary historic building reuse. Practically, it provides decision-making references and implementation guidance for heritage activation and sustainable historic district revitalization in urban stock renewal.