Ecological Wisdom and Inspiration Underlying the Planning and Construction of Ancient Human Settlements: Case Study of Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage Site in China

• DOI: 10.3390/su10051345
• Publication Date: 2018-04-26T08:17:52Z
• Authors: Shanwen Zheng; Baolong Han; Dang Wang; Zhiyun Ouyang
• Keywords: Human settlement

Human settlements are social-economic-natural complex ecosystems centered on human activities and the most prominent site for contradictions between humans environment. Taking Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage in China, as an example, this paper analyzes methods effect of coupling man nature summarizes ecological wisdom dealing with relationship nature, uses to shed light planning, construction, management contemporary urban rural settlements. Firstly, study introduces Human-Natural Intergraded Ecological Planning (HNIEP) model’s hypothesis, explaining its foundation potential principles or approaches. Secondly, using case Hongcun explain, support, validate HNIEP model framework, found that unique planning construction has greatly promoted ecosystem services, such local microclimate regulation, rainwater runoff water conservation, landscape aesthetic, engagement nature. Thirdly, reflects concept harmonious coexistence rational use structures, processes functions, living environment natural ecosystem. Finally, enlightenment brought by both urban-rural management.