A study on the evolution of original sites of fortifications from the perspective of Historic Urban Landscape: Cases of Paris, Beijing, and Moscow

Abstract

The Historic Urban Landscape theory underscores the importance of historical stratification processes in shaping the overall value of urban heritage. Building on this perspective, this study examines the stratification and evolution of the original sites of fortifications in Paris, Beijing, and Moscow, three global cities. First, historical research is conducted to identify the key moments of significant changes and their contextual backgrounds in these cities’ original sites of fortifications. Second, quantitative analysis is applied to calculate the changes in functional proportions across different periods. The findings reveal that, although the timing of major transformations varies among the three cities, all have undergone three distinct stages: demolition and planning, development and construction, and reflection and renewal. This evolutionary process is closely tied to the urbanization trajectories of each city, with the driving forces exhibiting notable commonalities and patterns.