Cultural regeneration and neighborhood image from the aesthetic perspective: Case of heritage conservation areas in Shanghai

A systematic approach for understanding how the urban environment and regeneration influence neighborhood image is lacking, particularly involving aesthetic perspective. This study considers image reform under cultural regeneration and quantifies neighborhood image based on its aesthetic characteristics. Two Shanghai conservation areas (SCAs), also known as hip neighborhoods, were selected as study sites. Mixed methods, including a questionnaire survey of 242 users, semi-structured interviews with 36 participants, and on-site survey, were used to capture the neighborhood image and explore the observational factors influencing image perception. An SCA scene is identified in this study, with a neighborhood image shaped by the aesthetic characteristics namely glamour, self-expression, heterogeneity, and neighborliness. Vital factors that affect image perception include amenities and shops, daily activities, street and open spaces, flagship projects, and cultural events. The findings provide cross-cultural insights into the interrelationships among observational factors, cultural regeneration, and neighborhood image, with a particular focus on the aesthetic perspective. This study provides useful reference for city planning and management for image reconfiguration in urban redevelopment to benefit neighborhoods.