Perceptual differences in Historic Urban areas: a Comparative study of architects and the general public in Pingjiang Road, Suzhou

Historic Urban Areas (HUAs) are central to cultural heritage, embodying rich historical and cultural significance. However, the pressures of modernization and commercialization imposed a dual challenge on HUAs, balancing preservation with renewal. Analyzing perceptual differences between architects and the general public in HUAs provides insights into distinct expectations for heritage conservation and contemporary interventions, aiding more informed planning and decision-making. This paper uses Pingjiang Road in Suzhou as a case study to examine these perceptual differences. Employing eye-tracking, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess perception patterns across groups. The results reveal that these perceptual differences manifest primarily across three layers: “seeing,” “preference,” and “understanding.” In the “seeing” layer, architects, shaped by professional training, focus on spatial characteristics like perspective continuity and ground coherence, whereas the general public is drawn to prominent individual elements, such as building facades and cultural symbols. In the “preference” layer, architects exhibit more critical assessments and higher demands for spatial features, while the general public, influenced by overall experience, tends to give higher ratings, especially on spatial and structural attributes. In the “understanding” layer, architects analyze space structurally and functionally, whereas the general public’s perceptions are emotionally based, describing space with subjective terms like “comfortable” or “inviting.” In addition, the study indicates that architects show greater confidence and openness toward modernization and commercialization within HUAs. The paper recommends establishing a multi-stakeholder supervisory committee for HUA practices, involving heritage experts, local residents, and cultural scholars to ensure balanced decision-making. For public engagement in HUAs, a variety of methods should be utilized to capture authentic perceptions and underlying needs.