Conservation of island city heritage site: a study of the spatial practices of A-Ma Temple heritage site in Macau

A-Ma Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Macau, exemplifies how island city heritage sites evolve through spatial practices shaped by natural geography and human influence. The study reveals that the temple's construction phases, pavilions, and environmental integration reflect dynamic interactions between private and official forces, adapting to external historical conditions while maintaining its cultural significance. Researchers employed a dual-method approach—combining on-site surveys with interviews—to analyze physical space samples alongside historical documents like maps, inscriptions, and stone carvings. This diachronic perspective highlights the temple's stage-specific development and its role in supporting urban spaces amid land constraints. The findings underscore the importance of studying such sites to inform conservation strategies for island cities facing rapid urban expansion.

Huang, L., Chen, Y., Chen, Y., Lin, H., & Hou, Z. (2025). Conservation of island city heritage site: a study of the spatial practices of A-Ma Temple heritage site in Macau. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 25(2), 918–941. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2472708