Minimum intervention level decision for historical buildings: historical buildings along the central axis of Beijing, China

A new method for determining the minimum intervention level for historical buildings, applied to 14 structures along Beijing's Central Axis, reveals that all require minimal interventions to preserve their heritage value. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation, researchers categorized these buildings into four groups (2:1:10:1) based on evaluation indicators' weights. This approach provides a scientific framework for balancing preservation and reuse, ensuring historical integrity while supporting sustainable urban development. The findings validate minimal intervention as the optimal strategy for this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a model for similar contexts globally.

Zhang, Y. (2026). Minimum intervention level decision for historical buildings: historical buildings along the central axis of Beijing, China. Npj Heritage Science, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02323-y