Speaker
Description
Most major cities around the world boast a long history of urban development, attracting people at home and abroad with their abundant opportunities. However, the urban environment is increasingly failing to meet the diverse and modern needs of its inhabitants. Constrained by the limits of resource and environmental capacity, the quality of life is gradually deteriorating, manifesting in worsening living conditions, increasing pollution, poorly maintained community facilities, growing distances to opportunities, and encroachment on public spaces. Additionally, a significant number of vulnerable populations reside within these cities, often concentrated in older, deteriorating neighborhoods where they are unable to benefit from the fruits of urban development.
Faced with a large number of aging communities in urgent need of renewal, local governments are under tremendous fiscal pressure, able to select only a few projects for partial urban renewal. However, whether through market-driven capital or entirely government-funded initiatives, the benefits of urban renewal rarely reach these vulnerable groups. In some cases, renewal efforts have even led to the displacement of these populations.
This study focuses on the Qinhuai District of Nanjing, an area that not only represents the old city of Nanjing but also hosts a high density of vulnerable populations. Moreover, Nanjing is one of the first cities designated as a national pilot for urban renewal, with Qinhuai District serving as a benchmark for these efforts. To better understand the spatial distribution of socially vulnerable groups, this study employs indicators such as population density, age structure, proportion of disadvantaged populations, density of transportation nodes, accessibility of public service facilities, and accessibility of job opportunities to construct factors identifying spaces where vulnerable groups are concentrated. Using quantitative analytical methods, including principal component analysis, global and local Moran's indices, and structural equation modeling, the study identifies the regional vulnerability of community grid events at the street level. Cluster analysis is then applied to statistically analyze the vulnerability indices across various dimensions, pinpointing the most pressing issues within these concentrated vulnerable spaces.
By comparing the distribution of urban renewal projects in Qinhuai District with the locations of vulnerable group concentrations, this study introduces the concept of inclusive development. From a holistic urban perspective, it provides targeted recommendations for current urban renewal plans. By focusing on the spaces where vulnerable groups are concentrated, this study aims to promote sustainable development in both natural and social environments through urban renewal projects. Furthermore, it seeks to foster social equity and shared opportunities by reducing and eliminating inequality through inclusive growth, thereby mitigating social exclusion.
| Keywords | Inclusive Urban Renewal，Vulnerable Populations，Sustainable Development，Principal Component Analysis，Structural Equation Modeling |
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| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
