MANAGING THE DEFENSIVE SYSTEM OF FORTIFIED CITIES, XI’AN (CHINA) AND NAPLES (ITALY) AS CASES

Across history, continuous socioeconomic changes have largely affected the evolution of the defensive systems of fortified cities, leaving them fragmented today. With a focus of such key elements as city walls, gates, moats and towers of fortified cities, this research is aimed to investigate how to manage the existing defensive systems in a way to simultaneously preserve their historic and cultural values and generate sociocultural benefits to meet contemporary needs. Based on literature review and using Xi’an (China) and Naples (Italy) as cases, the research first briefly looks into the evolution and the status quo of the defensive systems of the two cities. Then, it examines how the defensive systems are protected both at legislative and technical levels, referring to local, national and international provisions and practices. Finally, the research casts light on the value-adding of the defensive systems, focusing on creative interpretation, utilization and community participation. The research also tries to draw lessons from the existing protection and value-adding mechanisms. It is concluded that multilevel legislative system, knowledge sharing, and a people-centered, community-led value-adding approach are critical to a sustainable management of defensive systems of fortified cities.