Towards Sustainable Development of the Old City: Design Practice of Alleyway Integration in Old City Area Based on Heritage Corridor Theory

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Author, 

article titled Towards Sustainable Development of the Old City: Design Practice of Alleyway Integration in Old City Area Based on Heritage Corridor Theory” aims to This study proposes a comprehensive framework based on the theory of heritage corridors. The framework addresses the fragmentation and dispersion of historical spatial resources by subdividing spaces within the old city and linking them through "point-line-plane" dimensions, thereby promoting sustainable development across environmental, ecological, and cultural dimensions.The research topic identify the drivers of and barriers to the implementation of green economy strategy iundertaken is very important for the development of sustainable tourism. 

After reading the article, the following comments come to mind: 

Abstract 

It should be developed in accordance with the requirements of the journal.It contains too much information about the problem of the work, while the presentation of the method of work and final conclusions is missing. 

Introduction 

There was a lack of in-depth information on why a research topic related to sustainable development of historical urban centers was undertaken? Who has already dealt with this topic so far? What is the state of research in the world on historical heritage?  However, the purpose of the research questions were missing. 

2. Literature Review

In this chapter, the concept of the Heritage Corridor as a Cultural Landscape, Heritage Area, Cultural Route and Heritage Trail is very well presented.

Authors cite the establishment of the first National Heritage Corridor for the

Illinois and Michigan Canalin in the United States and to other Heritage Corridors, such as the Freedom Trail in Boston, but other European examples are missing. 

I suggest adding information on European Heritage Corridors. 

Also missing is a literature review on environmental, ecological and cultural sustainability. Meanwhile, the authors emphasize the essence of these components of sustainable development.

3. Methods and Data

The authors presented the different stages of the research process very well.

Noteworthy are the figures that show the rich content (historical background).

4. Results

In this chapter, the authors very interestingly switched the strategy of building heritage corridors, presenting an innovative approach to integrating historical cultural heritage in urban space.

5.Discussion.

Comparing the results of the study with other results, such as in Europe, would have raised the level of the article. 

Greetings

Reviewer

 

 

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Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study presents a comprehensive framework based on heritage corridor theory. By subdividing old urban areas and through "points, lines and surfaces", the framework addresses fragmentation and decentralization of historical spatial resources, thereby promoting sustainable environmental, ecological and cultural dimensions. The research has theoretical and practical significance and innovation, but there are still some problems to be improved.

 

1. The introduction should further emphasize the specific challenges that accelerated urbanization brings to the historical space of the old city (such as cultural homogenization, environmental degradation, etc.), so as to enhance the urgency and importance of the research.

 

2. In the manuscript, many pictures are not clear, such as Figure 10, Figure 11, etc., so the author should carefully check and make changes;

 

3. For the data used in the research, please clarify the specific processes and sources of data collection to ensure scientific and rigorous research.

 

4. The conclusion part should be the research results, and it is suggested that the author optimize this part; At the same time, the conclusion should clearly point out the specific theoretical framework of heritage corridors in promoting the sustainable renewal of historic cities, such as improving efficient space use, enhancing community cohesion, and protecting cultural heritage.

 

 

 

 

5. In the discussion section, it is suggested that the author start a dialogue with the existing research to highlight the innovation and the significance of this research; In addition, we can discuss research, future research directions (such as different applicability， city types and different historical background), and how to better integrate with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) to enhance the depth and breadth of research.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

It's been a pleasure reading this manuscript, which I believe will significantly contribute to our current understanding of the old city, particularly the Heritage corridors.

My comments are minimal and refer to the legibility of some Figures, such as 5 and 7, in which the base plans are illegible, so the information cannot be correctly appreciated. On the other hand, in Fig. 8, the words "Demand, City Planner, Resident, Tourist and New Resident" are also illegible, I recommend that the typology be solid as well as the rest of the scales.

The article has ample possibilities of positively impacting different sectors.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Your exploration of alternative methodologies in historical landscape design through the "Heritage Corridor Theory" is commendable. The manuscript is well-organized, with a clear and logical flow that effectively presents valuable findings and insights pertinent to historical landscape design. Moreover, your site-specific approach, particularly its application to a Chinese city, aligns well with the research objectives and demonstrates the theory's practical relevance.

 

However, while the design research is robust, I have some reservations regarding the theoretical framework you have employed. The "linear historical planning theory" appears more akin to a design strategy rather than a fully developed academic theory. Given the diverse conditions of cultural and historical sites, as well as green infrastructure across different cities and regions, the applicability of this theory to other contexts may be limited. I recommend that you address this by including a discussion on the limitations of the theory in the conclusion section of your manuscript. This addition would provide a more comprehensive and critical evaluation of the theory's applicability and generalizability.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript titled "Towards Sustainable Development of the Old City: Design Practice of Alleyway Integration in Old City Area Based on Heritage Corridor Theory" has undergone further review, and it exhibits a rigorous structure, comprehensive data analysis, logical coherence, and adherence to objective patterns. It effectively addresses all questions posed, aligning with publication standards.