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Ecological Wisdom and Inspiration Underlying the Planning and Construction of Ancient Human Settlements: Case Study of Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage Site in China

Author

Listed:
  • Shanwen Zheng

    (State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Baolong Han

    (State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China)

  • Dang Wang

    (Villager and the Host of Ruisongyuan House, Hongcun 245531, China)

  • Zhiyun Ouyang

    (State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China)

Abstract

Human settlements are social-economic-natural complex ecosystems centered on human activities and the most prominent site for the contradictions between humans and the environment. Taking Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage site in China, as an example, this paper analyzes the methods and effect of coupling man and nature in Hongcun, summarizes the ecological wisdom of dealing with the relationship between human and nature, and uses this wisdom to shed light on the planning, construction, and management of contemporary urban and rural settlements. Firstly, the study introduces the Human-Natural Intergraded Ecological Planning (HNIEP) model’s hypothesis, explaining its foundation and potential principles or approaches. Secondly, using the case study of Hongcun to explain, support, and validate the HNIEP model and its framework, the study found that the unique planning and construction of Hongcun has greatly promoted ecosystem services, such as local microclimate regulation, rainwater runoff regulation, water conservation, landscape aesthetic, and engagement with nature. Thirdly, Hongcun reflects the concept of harmonious coexistence between human and nature, the wisdom of rational use of ecosystem structures, processes and functions, and the wisdom of coupling human activities with the living environment and natural ecosystem. Finally, the paper summarizes the enlightenment brought by both the HNIEP model and Hongcun wisdom to contemporary urban-rural planning and construction management.

Suggested Citation

  • Shanwen Zheng & Baolong Han & Dang Wang & Zhiyun Ouyang, 2018. "Ecological Wisdom and Inspiration Underlying the Planning and Construction of Ancient Human Settlements: Case Study of Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage Site in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:5:p:1345-:d:143341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Aram Min & Ji-Hyun Lee, 2019. "A Conceptual Framework for the Externalization of Ecological Wisdom: The Case of Traditional Korean Gardens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-17, September.
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    4. Han Zou & Chen Chen & Wei Xiao & Lifu Shi, 2022. "Spatial-Temporal Evolution Relationship between Water Systems and Historical Settlement Sites Based on Quantitative Analysis: A Case Study of Hankou in Wuhan, China (1635–1949)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-20, November.
    5. Yuan Sun & Zhu Wang & Yuan Zheng, 2022. "Environmental Adaptations for Achieving Sustainable Regeneration: A Conceptual Design Analysis on Built Heritage Fujian Tulous," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-14, September.
    6. Zhengxu Zhou & Ziyu Jia & Nian Wang & Ming Fang, 2018. "Sustainable Mountain Village Construction Adapted to Livelihood, Topography, and Hydrology: A Case of Dong Villages in Southeast Guizhou, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-24, December.
    7. František Petrovič & Martin Boltižiar & Iveta Rakytová & Ivana Tomčíková & Eva Pauditšová, 2021. "Long-Term Development Trend of the Historical Cultural Landscape of the UNESCO Monument: Vlkolínec (Slovakia)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-19, February.
    8. Jose-Manuel Almodovar-Melendo & Joseph-Maria Cabeza-Lainez, 2018. "Environmental Features of Chinese Architectural Heritage: The Standardization of Form in the Pursuit of Equilibrium with Nature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-19, July.
    9. Juanjo Galan & Felix Bourgeau & Bas Pedroli, 2020. "A Multidimensional Model for the Vernacular: Linking Disciplines and Connecting the Vernacular Landscape to Sustainability Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-22, August.
    10. Mahjabin Radaei & Esmaeil Salehi & Shahrzad Faryadi & Mohammad R. Masnavi & Lobat Zebardast, 2021. "Ecological wisdom, a social–ecological approach to environmental planning with an emphasis on water resources: the case of Qanat Hydraulic Structure (QHS) in a desert city of Iran," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 10490-10511, July.
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