Ecology and Culture Coexist: Research on the Renovation Design of Shijiazhuang City's Shijin Irrigation Canal Cultural Park

Abstract

The study presents a systematic analysis of the 'ecology-culture double helix' model for the renewal of urban industrial sites, illustrated by the transformation of Shijiazhuang's Shijin Irrigation Canal Cultural Park. The model critiques the existing ecological fragmentation (e.g. hardened canals and a 30% reduction in native plant species) and cultural disconnection (e.g. static displays) of the site, proposing integrated solutions based on landscape urbanism and environmental psychology. Execution involves combining participatory action research (four community workshops and 312 public contributions) with technical interventions, such as creating stepped wetlands (COD reduced by 61%, transparency increased by 200%), embedding interactive non-material cultural heritage installations (QR code oral histories and foldable opera stages) and establishing tri-level pathways. The results demonstrate triple synergy—ecological (bird species increased from seven to 23), cultural (visitor satisfaction increased from 48.6% to 87.2%) and economic (annual income of $6 million)—achieved through five redesigned functional zones. Conceptually, the project redefines public space, transitioning from 'sculptures to be seen' to 'interfaces to be used', as exemplified by AI-enhanced non-material cultural heritage displays that transform cultural heritage into community-practised rituals. In terms of governance and funding, it establishes innovative mechanisms such as a Park Council with two-thirds resident voting power and a 30% commercial income allocation for maintenance. This offers a replicable framework for China's urban renewal that balances technical restoration with cultural vitality. Reflexivity highlights how this approach transcends conventional park design by creating 'living archives' of industrial memory, addressing SDG11 through providing measurable ecological services (value increased 2.7-fold).