1.1.1 Urbanization

Our world is undergoing increased urbanization at an unprecedented rate.In 1950, only 30% of the world’s population was located in an urban environment, and by 2050, 68% of the world’s population is projected to be urbanized.The level of urbanization in Asia is now approximating 50%^[1].In China, “Chinese urbanization started from the second half of the 19th century.In the beginning, its speed was slow and unbalanced.Later 1970s, the urbanization rate was 14%.It was 26% in 1986.In 2005 it reached 43%.At this rate, by 2020, Chinese urbanization level will reach 60%.”^[2]

Urbanization has obvious advantages, including narrowing the earnings gap between rural and urban regions, improving industry in rural areas, promoting scientific and technological development.However, with this rapid urbanization process, there are numerous side effects that may create negative results.“There will be 10 million to 20 million of the peasant population moving to the city very year in China.Due to the demand for housing and employment needs, it will inevitably lead to a largescale expansion of construction.The conflicting of new urban construction versus cultural heritage protection is extremely significant.”^[3]Densification, heavy traffic, environmental degradation, the destruction of cultural relics, overburdened infrastructure increased pressure on already crowded space.These man-made hazards and risks put tremendous pressure on architectural heritage sites, and their surroundings.As a historical cultural city under urbanization pressure, Jinan is facing severe contradiction of traditional residences preservation versus modern urban planning in the ongoing urbanization process (Fig.1-2).(https://www.daowen.com)

Figure 1-2.The Urbanization Status of Jinan