A cognitive model and data-driven technology path for conservation planning in Chinese residential historic areas

Residential historic areas have become the focus of urban renewal in China. The mainstream approach to renewal has adopted a cyclical and progressive strategy that operates on micro-units across multiple scales within a typo-morphology framework. However, this process still faces the problems of difficult coordination of information and lack of scientific decision-making, which demand more effective technical methods. This study proposes a method for managing multi-level information and using morphological characteristics to support design decisions. A cognitive model of historic areas is first established, encompassing interlinked spatial information across scales and multiple quantitative indicators for analysis. Then, professionals can manage dynamic information through a cloud-based database and import the information into digital morphological analysis by the modular technical platform. Quantitative indicators from morphological analysis can serve as a basis for planning and design decisions. Two case studies demonstrate its application in stage-based evaluations during progressive renewal processes and comparative assessments of conservation planning schemes. The proposed paradigm shifts conservation planning from subjective judgment to quantitative analysis based on diachronic information, enhancing scientific rigour, decision-making efficiency, and the implementation of human-centred design. A more sophisticated platform and a computational pathway for the generation of design solutions represent future directions.