An exploratory study of Nantou Ancient Village revitalisation focusing on visual, cognitive and structural aspects

Abstract

In the absence of spatial diversity, there is a need for additional elements that will enable the recognition of the space in which we are. These elements are landmarks. In order for a certain thing to be considered a landmark, it must be unique and recognisable either by its properties (size, shape, colour, materialisation, etc.) or by the location where it is located in space. Landmarks and zones with a strong character provide a strong identification of the space with its peculiarity. This paper analyses the identity of the urban settlement of Nantou Old Town as a historical cluster located in the attractive location in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen City, with over 800 residential and commercial units. The study was conducted experimentally on a number of respondents who are regular or occasional consumers in Nantou settlement, through a closed questionnaire, from which we got answers to the initial questions: how successful is the revitalisation of this cultural-historical settlement, what are the landmarks, how simple is orientation through the settlement and what method is most common in wayfinding (landmark or navigation app), does a consumer’s choice in wayfinding device and landmark physical characteristics (colour, texture and form) depend on personal dimensions (gender, age, educational level and familiarity with environment).