Title: Quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of preservation of modern urban residential buildings in Shanghai (1910-1949)

Authors: Lu Chen

Addresses: The School of Art and Design, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China

Abstract: This study examines modern residential buildings in Shanghai (1910-1949), analysing the dynamic relationships among architecture, inhabitants, the environment, and society. Addressing the urgent need to conserve Shanghai historical structures, it establishes key evaluation metrics for preservation effectiveness. Employing a quantitative approach validated by a BP neural network model, the analysis demonstrates that current conservation strategies fail to fully harness their potential to drive economic growth, enhance resident quality of life, foster environmental sustainability, or enrich urban cultural heritage. Recognising the intrinsic link between historical preservation and collective well-being - encompassing human, environmental, and societal dimensions - the research develops optimisation strategies to maximise conservation outcomes. The goal is to significantly elevate the impact of preservation efforts on these buildings, establishing a benchmark for scholarly research, policy formulation, and heritage management in Shanghai and analogous contexts.

Keywords: quantitative assessment of conservation effectiveness; analytic hierarchy process; AHP; fuzzy comprehensive evaluation; FCE; backpropagation; BP.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2026.155706

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2026 Vol.16 No.3, pp.281 - 300

Received: 09 May 2025
Accepted: 26 Aug 2025
Published online: 11 Aug 2026 *

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