Application of Temporary Use Strategies in Historic District Regeneration：Taking Guangzhou's Daxiaomazhan academies cluster as an example

During the COVID-19 pandemic, cities rapidly established temporary testing stations, makeshift hospitals, and other facilities, highlighting the importance of temporary use in emergency management and promoting the concept of “dual-purpose for both peacetime and emergencies.” This suggests that temporary use not only plays a key role in emergencies but can also serve as a flexible urban renewal strategy, meeting short-term needs and optimizing resource utilization. Guangzhou, with its rich historical heritage and flexible policy environment, has already seen several instances of temporary use. However, most of these instances are spontaneous and informal, lacking systematic management, and have yet to be fully applied in the preservation of historic districts. Taking the Daxiaomazhan Academy complex in Guangzhou as an example, this paper explores the application of temporary use in the preservation and revitalization of historic districts, aiming to provide new ideas for activating such areas. This study first outlines the origins, concepts, and development of temporary use in Europe, clarifying its complete process, which includes four key steps: identification, design, operation, and exit. Through case studies, temporary use is categorized into four modes: testing phase, cultural events, idle utilization, and pop-up projects. The characteristics, applicable conditions, and externalities (both positive and negative) of each mode are explored in detail. In the Chinese context, the study analyzes the applicability of temporary use and existing regulations, pointing out that while current regulations offer some guidelines, they lack systematic and targeted measures. Using the Daxiaomazhan Academy complex in Guangzhou as an empirical case, detailed site analysis was conducted, identifying four potential spaces for temporary use: demolition land, community rooftops, abandoned commercial spaces, and courtyards or plazas. Design strategies and application plans for temporary use were developed, and their expected effects were assessed. The findings show that temporary use can quickly meet the short-term development needs of cities without compromising the historical and cultural value of heritage sites. Proper temporary use is more beneficial for historical preservation than poorly permitted or unplanned permanent buildings. The successful implementation of temporary use requires comprehensive policy support and coordination among stakeholders, with a need to balance commercial development and cultural heritage preservation under the premise of protection. This research provides new ideas and methods for the preservation and revitalization of historic districts and offers valuable reference points for improving the framework for the tool-based approach to temporary use.