Strategies and Practical Research on the Transformation of Industrial Heritage into Age-Friendly Communities in the Context of Post-Industrialization: A Case Study of Nanjing 1865 Creative Industry Park

Background and Aim: China’s rapidly aging society necessitates the development of age-friendly communities. This study investigates the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage for such communities, using Nanjing 1865 Creative Industry Park as a case study. Anchored in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) age-friendly cities framework and universal design principles, the research bridges the underexplored intersection of heritage preservation and elderly well-being. Materials and Methods: Adopting a mixed-methods approach—surveys, interviews, and participatory design workshops—the study directly engaged elderly stakeholders to identify their needs. Participatory design, defined here as co-creating solutions with older adults, ensured their priorities shaped spatial and functional outcomes. Results: Adaptive renovations, including barrier-free pathways, outdoor communal areas, and safety enhancements, transformed industrial heritage into accessible, socially cohesive spaces. The integration of historical and cultural elements (e.g., exhibitions, community events) fostered cultural engagement and intergenerational interaction, addressing the elderly's needs for social connectivity and belonging. Conclusion: The Nanjing 1865 case validates the feasibility of merging industrial heritage reuse with age-friendly goals. However, limitations such as localized sampling and scalability challenges warrant further exploration. The findings offer policy insights for post-industrial cities, advocating participatory frameworks and heritage-sensitive design to balance cultural preservation with elderly well-being.