Interpretation of significance and conservation approaches in evolving contexts: Taking Lilong as an example

This thesis discusses different conservation approaches for safeguarding the significance of historic properties---rehabilitation and preservation in both China and US and how they are generated within different contexts. Taking the conservation of Lilongs in Shanghai as an example, this thesis interprets the significance of Lilong---a historic residential complex in China---within both earlier and contemporary contexts, explores the evolution of its significance through history and explores how to interpret it with the understanding of both historic and contemporary value systems based on economic, social and cultural environments. With the comparative case study of the Tenement Museum in New York City, this thesis studies how different interpretations of properties' significance affect conservation approaches, aiming to define the significance in complex contexts and provide suggestions to connect the significance with actual conservation practice for Lilongs in Shanghai for their long term sustainability and cultural integrity.