The evaluation is conducted by a panel of distinguished experts and scholars from both China and abroad, representing architecture, urban planning, rural revitalization, urban-rural linkages, transportation, economics, social science, and culture.
Innovation refers to the degree to which a regeneration practice introduces original, creative, and context-sensitive solutions to urban and rural challenges. It assesses how the practice applies new ideas, methods, technologies, governance arrangements, financing mechanisms, or design approaches to address complex issues in a way that adds value beyond conventional practice. Innovation may involve cutting-edge digital tools, novel policy instruments, inclusive participation models, or the adaptation of traditional knowledge to contemporary needs. An innovative practice demonstrates relevance to both local conditions and global priorities, offering fresh insights and practical lessons that can inspire other cities and stakeholders.
Effectiveness refers to the extent to which a regeneration practice achieves its stated objectives and delivers tangible results in the short to medium term. It assesses how successfully the practice addresses identified challenges and translates its strategies into measurable improvements, such as better housing conditions, upgraded public spaces and infrastructure, enhanced access to basic services, increased community participation, reduced environmental impacts, or strengthened local economic opportunities. An effective practice demonstrates sound planning, efficient implementation, and coherent coordination across social, economic, environmental, cultural, and governance dimensions. It shows that the methods, tools, and partnerships employed are appropriate and capable of producing meaningful and verifiable outcomes within the specific local context.
Impact refers to the broader and longer-term changes generated by a regeneration practice beyond its immediate outputs and outcomes. It reflects the extent to which the practice contributes to lasting improvements in quality of life, social inclusion, economic vitality, environmental resilience, cultural heritage conservation, and institutional capacity. Impact may also be demonstrated through influence on public policy, replication in other cities or regions, and increased recognition at national and international levels. An impactful practice not only delivers clearly defined and measurable long-term benefits, but also serves as a reference for other practitioners and decision-makers by demonstrating how urban and rural regeneration can advance sustainable urbanization and support the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Scalability refers to the potential of a regeneration practice to be replicated, adapted, and expanded across different geographic, institutional, and socio-economic contexts. It assesses whether the core strategies, tools, and governance arrangements can be transferred and sustained beyond the original project area while maintaining their effectiveness and relevance. A scalable practice is designed with flexibility and practicality in mind, enabling other cities, communities, and institutions to tailor the approach to their own needs and capacities. It provides clear lessons, methodologies, and evidence that support broader dissemination and adoption, thereby amplifying its contribution to sustainable urban and rural regeneration worldwide.
The evaluation is conducted by a panel of distinguished experts and scholars from both China and abroad, representing multidisciplinary fields such as architecture, urban planning, rural revitalisation, urban-rural linkages, transportation, economics, social science, and culture.
The process includes the following stages:
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