Housing Justice in Urban Regeneration from a Hierarchical Perspective: Practice and Reflection on the Case of Nanjing, China

Abstract

This study explores housing justice in China’s Urban Regeneration, specifically through the “Housing Justice-Spatial Hierarchy” framework in Nanjing’s Xiaosongtao Lane project. Departing from Western paradigms, it emphasizes justice within China’s state-led, collective-interest-oriented context, highlighting distinct challenges and practices. The research reveals how distributive, procedural, and recognition justice dynamically interact across urban, community, and building scales. Key findings include the efficacy of “one-household, one-policy” and “courtyard negotiation” for resident participation and refined governance. Xiaosongtao offers a unique “local solution” for historic urban areas, balancing preservation, residents’ diverse needs, and economic viability. However, tensions persist, particularly regarding economic burdens for vulnerable groups and the depth of resident influence in core decisions.