A public participation project that aims to renovate and protect Dongsi South Historical and Cultural Block in Beijing's Dongcheng District was recently honored the China Human Settlements and Environment Award.
It is among the four projects in Beijing that was included in the awards given by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development to encourage and promote Chinese cities to pay close attention to improving people's living environment, with specific efforts made in environmental protection, air pollution control, water purification and transportation improvement.
With the Shijia Hutong Protection Society as its main platform, the South Dongsi project has conducted cultural and educational activities designed to enhance the living conditions and cultural environment of residents in the area. A total of six professional design institutes have been invited to work with local residents to conduct interior renovations for seven Dazayuans -- crowded and dilapidated traditional courtyards.
The project also carried out various activities aimed at revitalizing the community and improving its cultural environment, by collecting stories from the residents on the history of the hutong, setting up community rules and regulations, and participating in cultural events.
By boosting public participation, the project has shown its value as a demonstration for the successful combination of urban construction of historical blocks with social administration. Furthermore, it has improved the people's livelihood as well as strengthened the community's autonomy.