Introduction

As urbanization accelerated globally, ancient villages faced significant challenges in maintaining the integrity of their public spaces1. These spaces, which were pivotal for daily life and community interaction, were often overshadowed by modern developments and commercial activities2. This was particularly evident in regions such as Tengchong, Yunnan Province, where the modernization process led to the erosion of cultural and historical values in traditional public spaces. The resulting loss of cultural significance and functionality not only diminished community identity but also impacted residents’ quality of life. Addressing this issue required innovative approaches to revitalize and enhance these spaces while preserving their historical and cultural essence.

Artistic intervention emerged as a promising strategy for revitalizing public spaces by infusing them with new cultural meanings and social functions through creative expressions3. Unlike conventional renovations, artistic interventions employed various forms of art—such as installations, murals, sculptures, and performance art—to transform public spaces4. This approach aimed to rejuvenate these spaces aesthetically and functionally, enhancing both their visual appeal and their role as vibrant social hubs. Art reintroduced cultural narratives and fostered community engagement, making these spaces more relevant and functional in contemporary contexts.

In the ancient villages of Tengchong, the challenge of revitalizing public spaces was particularly acute5. Traditional spaces such as village squares, laundry pavilions, and areas around historical landmarks faced issues like functional decline, reduced cultural relevance, and diminished usage. Conventional methods of space design and management proved inadequate in addressing these challenges6. Therefore, exploring artistic intervention as a novel approach to enhance these spaces was essential.

This study aimed to assess the impact and transformation of artistic interventions in public spaces within ancient villages, using Tengchong as a case study. The research sought to address the following key questions:

  1. (1)

    How could artistic interventions effectively integrate with existing landscapes to enhance the environmental aesthetics and appeal of ancient villages?

  2. (2)

    How could artistic interventions enhance the quality of life in ancient villages and promote social and cultural development within the community?

  3. (3)

    How could artistic interventions improve spatial accessibility in ancient villages, facilitate transportation convenience, and influence economic development?

  4. (4)

    How could the economic benefits of artistic interventions be balanced with the need for cultural preservation to ensure the sustainable development of ancient villages?

To address these questions, the study employed a combination of field surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. It examined the physical environment, socio-cultural context, and community participation aspects of the artistic interventions. Additionally, to ensure a structured and objective evaluation, the study incorporated the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a key assessment method.

The AHP was used to evaluate and prioritize various factors impacting the effectiveness of art in revitalizing public spaces. This method involved breaking down the evaluation criteria into a hierarchical structure, allowing for a systematic comparison of the relative importance of different factors such as aesthetic appeal, community engagement, and spatial functionality. By assigning weights to these criteria based on expert judgment and stakeholder input, the AHP helped in quantifying the overall impact of the artistic interventions.

In summary, this study investigated how artistic interventions could address the challenges faced by traditional public spaces in ancient villages. By exploring their impact on cultural preservation, community functionality, economic development, social interaction, environmental quality, and innovation, the research sought to contribute valuable knowledge and strategies for the sustainable revitalization of these spaces.

Literature review

In recent years, the practice of artistic intervention in ancient villages has been increasingly recognized and practiced globally as an innovative approach to cultural preservation and community development7,8. Through public art projects, artist residencies, cultural festivals, and the revival of traditional handicrafts, artists and cultural workers have been dedicated to enhancing the cultural atmosphere and visual image of villages, boosting the cultural confidence of local residents, and attracting the attention of tourists and the media9,10.

These artistic projects are not merely superficial beautification or decoration but rather involve deep cultural exploration and inheritance, aiming to protect and promote the unique historical culture and traditional customs of villages through artistic intervention11. Furthermore, these projects indirectly contributed to the economic revitalization of villages by attracting external tourists, promoting local tourism and service industries, and increasing the income of villagers12,13. In this process, community participation was crucial, as encouraging villagers to participate in the planning, creation, and exhibition of artistic projects not only enhanced their sense of ownership and cultural identity but also fostered interaction and cooperation within the community, strengthening social cohesion and social capital. Artist residency projects have also proven to be an effective intervention method, as artists residing in villages for extended periods interact with local residents, creating works that reflect local culture and life, often sparking more cultural resonance and innovative inspiration through deep exchanges and creations14,15,17.

Internationally, the application of artistic intervention in rural revitalization and cultural preservation has also garnered extensive attention16,18. In the UK, the “Art in the Countryside” project has successfully integrated art into rural environments, improving environmental quality while promoting community engagement and local economic development19. In the Netherlands, the “Art and Public Space” initiative has revitalized historic sites through community art projects, providing more cultural exchange opportunities for local residents20. In Japan, artistic intervention has been widely used for protecting and revitalizing rural culture. For example, Japan’s “Art Village” project has set up artist residencies in remote rural areas, blending traditional and modern art to enhance local cultural preservation and economic growth21. In Australia, indigenous art projects support cultural revival and social integration through the modern reinterpretation of traditional art forms. The “Rural Arts Revival Program” in the United States has revitalized public spaces in many small towns through community engagement and public art projects, strengthening community cohesion and boosting local economies22. Canada’s “Art and Community” program has strengthened connections between communities, fostering cultural exchange and social innovation through artistic intervention23. In South America, Brazil’s “Cultural Renaissance” initiative uses art projects to improve rural infrastructure, enhance residents’ quality of life, and increase cultural tourism appeal24,25. In Argentina, artistic intervention projects have not only promoted cultural preservation in rural communities but also injected new vitality into local economic development26.

However, artistic intervention in ancient villages also faces several challenges. Firstly, there is the issue of sustainability, as many artistic projects lack long-term funding and policy support, making it difficult to sustain operations after project completion27. Secondly, cultural conflicts may arise due to differences between external artists and local residents, potentially leading to misunderstandings and conflicts that hinder the smooth progress of projects28. Economic disparities in benefit distribution cannot be ignored either, as economic benefits from tourism and cultural activities may concentrate in the hands of a few individuals, failing to benefit all villagers and exacerbating social inequality29. The trend towards excessive commercialization is also a concern, as some artistic projects and activities become overly commercialized, neglecting the original intentions of cultural preservation and community development, thereby leading to the alienation and loss of village culture30. To overcome these challenges and achieve the long-term goals of artistic intervention in ancient villages, multi-party cooperation and joint efforts from the government, artists, NGOs, and communities are necessary31. During implementation, it is essential to respect local culture and the wishes of residents, prioritize the sustainability and fairness of projects, and truly realize the revitalization of villages and the inheritance of culture32. This is not only about the protection and inheritance of historical cultural heritage but also about nurturing culture and promoting economic development in contemporary rural society, with profound social significance33,34.

Artistic intervention has been proven to be an effective method for promoting rural spatial construction35,36. Collaborative efforts between artists and villagers in village construction processes, as well as promoting participatory village spatial construction through art intervention, have been successful practical cases37. Therefore, artistic intervention can not only enhance the cultural value of rural public spaces but also promote community development and progress.

Case study and analysis

Site analysis of the case

Youdeng Village is located in Youdeng Community, Tengyue Town, Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, with coordinates of approximately 25°04’27.31"N, 98°31’36.47"E (Figure 1). It is located in a basin area with an area of approximately 2.05 square kilometers38.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Location analysis of the Youdeng Village. It is a map of countries and provinces, from d-maps (https://d-maps.com/). The last two pictures are from Google Earth (https://www.google.com/earth/), and Maps Data: Google Earth, mage©2022 Maxar Technologies.

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According to the population data published on the official website, the village currently has 315 farming households and a total rural population of 1,415, including 711 males and 704 females. In addition, based on the basic information and route guide of the Tengchong Tongda Branch of Baojiao Group (bus), the authors have selected the following bus routes that can be taken to the village, in addition to self-driving tours (Table 1).

Table 1 Youdengzhuang bus route table.
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As a traditional village in the Tengchong region, Youdeng Village boasts excellent natural environmental resources. Situated amidst hills, the village features diverse terrain and is rich in intangible cultural heritage, providing various options for driving economic development and cultural promotion within the village. Through on-site inspections and the use of QGIS software, the author conducted an analysis of Youdeng Village’s terrain, slope direction, and slope degree, resulting in the following findings (Fig. 2):

  1. (1)

    The terrain of Youdeng Village is complex and varied, with significant changes in slope degree, offering abundant possibilities for the layout of village buildings and the design of public spaces. The characteristics of terrain with different slopes and orientations not only affect the village’s drainage and flood control systems but also provide a basis for landscape design and tourist route planning.

  2. (2)

    The rich intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional handicrafts, folk activities, and local operas, is an important cultural resource of Youdeng Village. These cultural resources not only have high preservation and inheritance value but can also attract tourists through tourism and cultural activities, thereby promoting the economic development of the village. Through terrain analysis, suitable locations for showcasing cultural heritage and conducting activities can be properly planned, enhancing the experience and participation of tourists.

  3. (3)

    Through QGIS software analysis, a clearer understanding of the suitable uses of different areas in Youdeng Village can be obtained. For example, gentle slopes can be planned as farmland or community activity areas, while steep slopes can be designed as viewing platforms or ecological conservation areas. Such planning not only optimizes land resources but also enhances the overall environmental quality of the village.

Fig. 2
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QGIS analysis of Youdengzhuang (it was generated using QGIS).

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Current status of public spaces after artistic intervention

Art intervention brings new opportunities for the sustainable development of public spaces in Youdeng Village39. Through artistic means, these public spaces can be reactivated, imbuing them with new life and functions. In Youdeng Village, many previously overlooked spaces have been redefined and revitalized through the intervention and creation of artists, bringing forth renewed vitality (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
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Current status of public spaces after artistic intervention.

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Artistic intervention at the village entrance

The ancient tree at the entrance of the village is a significant cultural landmark for Youdeng Village. Having withstood the test of time, this tree not only bears witness to the village’s historical changes but also holds the emotional memories of its residents. The artists decided to leverage this natural heritage by transforming it into a public space with cultural and recreational functions through thoughtful environmental design. Surrounding the ancient tree, the artists used natural stone and wood, materials that harmoniously blend with the environment while showcasing the village’s traditional craftsmanship. The design of the benches and display racks considered both comfort and functionality, presenting local handicrafts and traditional items to help visitors better understand the village’s cultural traditions (Fig. 3a,b).

Building on this foundation, the artists also designed lighting for the space. This lighting design not only enhances the aesthetic effect of the area but also improves safety for nighttime activities. The lighting is strategically placed to highlight the tree’s silhouette, making it a visual focal point, while providing a comfortable resting place for both visitors and villagers. In this space, villagers can gather in a relaxed atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a quiet break, experiencing the unique natural and cultural charm of Youdeng Village.

Moreover, the artists considered the multifunctionality of the space in their design process. This small public rest area serves not only as a place for relaxation and socializing but can also be used for hosting small cultural events. For instance, the area can accommodate craft exhibitions, cultural lectures, or small music performances, further enriching the village’s cultural activities. In this way, the space around the ancient tree not only preserves its historical significance but also gains new cultural meaning, making the village entrance an important cultural node that attracts more visitors and cultural enthusiasts40.

Revival of the shadow play theater

The artists converted an abandoned old building into a “Shadow Play Theater,” a key component of Youdeng Village’s artistic intervention. This project combines traditional and modern design concepts, preserving the original appearance of the old building while adding modern facilities. The implementation of this project not only revives traditional culture but also creates a new cultural venue, drawing significant attention from both tourists and villagers (Fig. 3c).

Shadow play, a traditional Chinese folk art form, is widely loved for its unique performance techniques and rich cultural content41. By regularly hosting shadow play performances, the theater showcases this traditional art form to visitors and provides villagers with opportunities to participate and display their talents. During performances, villagers not only act but also narrate local stories and legends, enhancing cultural participation and helping visitors better understand local cultural traditions.

The construction and operation of the Shadow Play Theater also contribute to the village’s economic development. The performances attract many tourists, leading to increased spending within the village and boosting the local economy. Additionally, the theater provides employment opportunities for villagers, some of whom are involved in making and performing shadow plays, creating new sources of income. As an important cultural venue within the village, the theater’s various cultural events enrich the cultural life of the villagers and enhance the reputation and appeal of Youdeng Village.

Transformation of artist studios

Several abandoned spaces in the village have been converted into artist studios, a significant step in the cultural revival of Youdeng Village. These studios, once dilapidated old houses, underwent structural reinforcement and exterior renovation through collaboration between artists and architects. The transformation preserved the traditional architectural features while adding modern work and exhibition spaces (Fig.3d,e).

Each resident artist creates in these studios and periodically opens them to villagers and visitors, showcasing their work. This approach not only reuses abandoned spaces but also provides opportunities for villagers and visitors to interact with and learn from the artists. The artists’ creations not only display personal talent but also incorporate the regional characteristics of Youdeng Village, making the artworks more aligned with local culture.

The transformation of the studios also fosters an enhanced artistic atmosphere within the village42. Through the artists’ residency, villagers can directly engage in artistic activities, increasing their interest and understanding of art. The interaction between artists and villagers enhances mutual understanding and promotes cultural exchange. These studios not only provide creative space for artists but also offer villagers opportunities to participate in cultural activities, boosting the community’s cultural vitality and cohesion.

Renovation and activation of squares

Several squares in Youdeng Village, previously abandoned or underutilized, were comprehensively renovated through artistic intervention. First, the ground of the squares was repaired, fixing damaged areas and laying new stone bricks to ensure smooth and safe surfaces. The new ground design not only beautifies the environment but also extends the lifespan of the squares, providing a solid foundation for various activities (Fig. 3f).

Next, the artists hung colorful banners around the squares to enhance the festive and celebratory atmosphere. These banners not only decorated the environment but also created a lively ambiance, rejuvenating the squares. The banner placement was carefully designed to align with local festival cultures and traditions, adding to the squares’ cultural atmosphere and appeal.

Additional amenities were also installed in the squares, such as temporary stages and movable seating. These facilities meet the daily gathering and leisure needs of villagers while providing better conditions for various festive events. The temporary stages can host cultural performances, concerts, and community events, while the movable seating allows for flexible seating arrangements. The squares have become important social and cultural centers for villagers, hosting traditional festivals like the Harvest Festival and Lantern Festival, attracting many tourists and significantly boosting the village’s economic development.

Cultural regeneration of laundry pavilions

Several historic laundry pavilions in Youdeng Village have long been important places for daily life and social interaction43. These pavilions were used not only for washing clothes but also for cooking and drawing water, making them central to community life. With the gradual replacement of traditional lifestyles by modern ones, the usage of these pavilions decreased, and they were slowly forgotten. To reintegrate the laundry pavilions into daily village life and endow them with new cultural significance, the artists undertook a series of interventions (Fig. 3g,h).

Firstly, the artists repaired the structure of the laundry pavilions, fixing damaged wooden beams and stone columns to ensure safety and functionality. To respect the historical value, they made minimal changes to the appearance, preserving its original simplicity. The repair work maintained the original materials and craftsmanship as much as possible, ensuring that the renovated structure stayed true to its history while incorporating necessary modern amenities for improved convenience and comfort.

Building on the repairs, the artists redefined the laundry pavilions as community interaction spaces. Simple stone seating was arranged inside and outside the pavilions, allowing villagers to gather and chat, restoring the pavilions’ social functions. To further enhance the cultural value, the artists organized skill demonstrations related to washing and traditional life, such as hand-weaving and dyeing. These activities allowed villagers and visitors to experience ancient lifestyles firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation of traditional skills.

During festivals, the laundry pavilions also became part of the celebrations. Artists and villagers collaborated to organize various traditional crafts and community activities, reviving the social function of the pavilions. The pavilions were used as gathering spots for festival joy and cultural exchange. These artistic interventions have not only reintegrated the laundry pavilions into daily village life but also made them important cultural transmission sites, bridging history with modernity and tradition with innovation.

Through these specific artistic interventions, the public spaces of Oil Lamp Village have been greatly improved, and their cultural connotations have been more deeply showcased. These art projects not only preserve the village’s history and culture but also endow it with new functions and meanings, becoming dual drivers of cultural and economic development. Additionally, the implementation of these measures involved close collaboration between artists and villagers, ensuring that the artistic creations reflected local culture and strengthened the community’s sense of belonging and identity44.

Construction of evaluation system

To ensure the scientific and systematic integrity of our study on the impact of art interventions in ancient villages, authors will develop a comprehensive evaluation system designed to systematically analyze the effects and impacts of these interventions45,46. In this section, authors will first establish a structured evaluation framework, clearly defining a set of assessment criteria. To gain a thorough understanding of the current state of art interventions, authors will conduct surveys to gather perspectives and satisfaction levels from various demographic groups.

Next, authors will identify specific evaluation indicators that address multiple aspects of art interventions, including their effects on community environment, cultural atmosphere, and residents’ quality of life. Authors will also establish rigorous evaluation standards and methods to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data collection and analysis. By constructing this evaluation system, authors aim to gain in-depth insights into the specific role of art interventions in the transformation of ancient villages and provide valuable guidance for similar future projects (Figure4).

Fig. 4
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Build an evaluation model flow chart.

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Villagers’ satisfaction with art intervention

In the research conducted in Youdeng Village, the survey targeted a diverse range of respondents rather than only local residents, ensuring a comprehensive view of the art intervention’s impact. Specifically, 30 questionnaires were distributed, with 24 filled out by local residents (80%), 4 by surrounding residents (13%), and 2 by tourists (7%). This varied respondent profile was designed to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives, reflecting both direct experiences of the village’s art intervention and its effects on the surrounding community and visitors.

The survey aimed to gather feedback from different demographics to provide a well-rounded understanding of the art intervention’s effectiveness45. Although the survey did not focus on specific age groups within the data collection process, including responses from various groups allows for a more holistic view. This approach helps reveal how different segments of the population—local residents, nearby residents, and tourists—perceive and are affected by the changes in public spaces due to the art intervention.

Analyzing feedback from these varied respondent groups offers insights into the overall impact of the art intervention. For instance, the survey found that 18 local residents were satisfied with the changes to the public space, 8 considered them average, and 4 were dissatisfied. This information is crucial for identifying successful aspects of the intervention and areas that may need improvement46. Feedback from tourists provides an external perspective on the project’s effectiveness in enhancing the village’s appeal and tourist experience, which is valuable for optimizing future interventions.

The survey also highlighted varying levels of engagement with the art intervention. Out of the respondents, 22 actively participated in the art activities, while 8 did not. This disparity in participation reflects differing levels of acceptance and interest among residents. Suggestions from respondents, such as adding markets and more recreational facilities, point to specific areas where the public space could be improved. These recommendations can guide adjustments to better meet community needs and enhance the functionality and attractiveness of public spaces47.

Overall, the feedback gathered through the survey offers essential insights for evaluating and refining the art intervention project48. By analyzing opinions from a diverse range of respondents, decision-makers can develop more targeted and effective strategies for future projects. This approach ensures that innovative ideas not only hold cultural and artistic value but also address the actual needs of the community, thereby enhancing the quality of life and functionality of public spaces. Such a comprehensive and inclusive survey methodology is crucial for designing and implementing successful community-driven projects (Table 2).

Table 2 Questionnaire survey on public space after art intervention.
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Establishment of evaluation indicators

Currently, artistic intervention in ancient villages remains a relatively new topic, facing many issues and challenges. From existing cases, problems such as mixed styles, inconsistent artistic interpretations, difficulties in balancing economic benefits, and challenges in controlling value scales are evident. To address these issues, this paper introduces an evaluation system based on four aspects: village transformation, environmental appearance, economic benefits, and social and cultural values, to assess the relevance of artistic intervention. By summarizing the general principles and design strategies for artistic intervention in ancient villages, it is hoped that this evaluation system will lead to differentiated development in future transformations of ancient villages.

To objectively evaluate the impact of artistic intervention in public spaces on ancient villages, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is introduced to analyze the importance of various influencing factors49. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), introduced by Thomas L. Saaty in the 1970s, is a tool used for handling complex decision-making problems. AHP simplifies the analysis process by decomposing the decision problem into a hierarchical structure. First, it involves defining the decision goal and constructing a hierarchical model that includes the overall goal and specific criteria50. Next, pairwise comparisons are made to assess the relative importance of each criterion, resulting in a comparison matrix. Then, the weights for each criterion are calculated, and consistency checks are performed to ensure the validity of the comparisons. Finally, the weights of the criteria are aggregated to reach the overall decision outcome.

The selection of evaluation indicators in this paper is based primarily on relevant policies, literature, field surveys, and expert opinions. By eliminating redundancy, extracting, and categorizing the evaluation criteria, specific indicators for assessing the impact of artistic intervention in public spaces on ancient villages have been developed, as shown in Table 3.

Table 3 Hierarchical development of artistic intervention in public spaces for ancient villages.
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The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed for analysis, where the structural model consists of three levels: the goal level, the criterion level, and the indicator level. The goal level is the highest level (first-level indicator), the criterion level is the middle level (second-level indicator), and the sub-indicators are the lowest level (third-level indicator). The factors at each level are interrelated, collectively forming the evaluation model. The description and specific sources of the hierarchical indicators are presented in Table 4.

Table 4 Description and source of indicators for artistic intervention in public spaces.
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Calculation methods and consistency test of each Indicator

Firstly, there are three methods to calculate the weights of indicators in the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): the arithmetic mean method (weighted method), the geometric mean method (root method), and the eigenvalue method. Here, authors choose the arithmetic mean method to determine the weights, which involves three steps as follows:

  1. (1)

    Normalize each column of the matrix.

    $$\overline{{C{\text{ij}}}} = \frac{{C{\text{ij}}}}{{\sum\nolimits_{{{\text{i}} = 1}}^{{\text{n}}} {C{\text{ij}}} }}\left( {{\text{ij}} = 1,2, \ldots \ldots {\text{n}}} \right)$$
    (1)
  2. (2)

    Sum up the indicators in each row of the matrix.

    $$\overline{W} = \sum\nolimits_{{}}^{{\text{n}}} {C{\text{ij}}} \left( {{\text{i}} = 1,2, \ldots \ldots {\text{n}}} \right)$$
    (2)
  3. (3)

    Calculate the weight values.

    $$W_{{\text{i}}} = \frac{{\overline{{W_{{\text{i}}} }} }}{{\sum\nolimits_{{}}^{{\text{n}}} {\overline{{W_{{\text{j}}} }} } }}\left( {{\text{i}} = 1,2, \ldots \ldots {\text{n}}} \right)$$
    (3)

Next, calculate the maximum eigenvalue of the matrix using the following method:

$$\lambda _{{\max }} = \sum\limits_{1}^{{\text{n}}} {\frac{{(AW)_{{\text{i}}} }}{{{\text{n}}W_{{\text{i}}} }}}$$
(4)

Finally, to ensure the rationality of the judgment matrix, it is necessary to conduct a consistency check on the eigenvalues. When CI = 0, there is complete consistency; when CI is close to 0, there is satisfactory consistency. The larger the CI value, the less consistent the matrix.

$$CI = \frac{{\lambda _{{\max }} - {\text{n}}}}{{{\text{n}} - 1}}$$
(5)

Since all the indicators in this matrix are 4, according to Table 5, the random index (RI) value can be obtained as 0.90. Using the formula CR=\(\frac{{\text{CI}}}{{\text{RI}}}\), if CR < 0.1, it indicates that the calculated weight values have consistency and pass the consistency check.

Table 5 Random consistency index values.
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Calculation of weight for each indicator

For the established evaluation indicator system, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to construct pairwise comparison matrices for each level to determine the relative importance of each indicator. Each indicator was compared pairwise, and the 9-point scoring method was utilized to measure their importance, as shown in Table 6. Ten experts participated in the scoring process. Below is the detailed scoring for the first expert, as presented in Tables 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Using the same methodology, weight values were calculated for ten sets, and the average was derived as the final weight value for the elements, as shown in Table 12. Finally, the weights of the generated AI prompts were determined based on the indicators’ weights, thereby influencing the generation of the final design solution.

Table 6 Scale and interpretation of analytic hierarchy process.
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Table 7 Weight values of indicators in the criteria layer.
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Table 8 Weight values of subevaluation indicators in village transformation.
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Table 9 Weight values of subevaluation indicators in environmental appearance.
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Table 10 Weight values of subevaluation indicators in economic benefits.
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Table 11 Weight values of subevaluation indicators in social and cultural values.
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Table 12 Comprehensive weight and ranking of art intervention in public spaces on ancient villages.
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As shown in Table 7, the maximum eigenvalue\({{\uplambda }}_{{\text{max}}}\) of the criteria layer is 4.083, the Village Transformation index CI is 0.028, and the consistency ratio CR is 0.031 < 0.10, passing the consistency test.

As shown in Table 8, the maximum eigenvalue\({{\uplambda }}_{{\text{max}}}\)of the Village renovation is 4.012, the actual consistency index CI is 0.004, and the consistency ratio CR is 0.004 < 0.10, passing the consistency test.

As shown in Table 9, the maximum eigenvalue\({{\uplambda }}_{{\text{max}}}\)of the Environmental Appearance is 4.078, the actual consistency index CI is 0.026, and the consistency ratio CR is 0.029 < 0.10, passing the consistency test.

As shown in Table 10, the maximum eigenvalue\({{\uplambda }}_{{\text{max}}}\)of Economic Benefits is 4.084, the actual consistency index CI is 0.028, and the consistency ratio CR is 0.031 < 0.10, passing the consistency test.

As shown in Table 11, the maximum eigenvalue\({{\uplambda }}_{{\text{max}}}\) of Social and Cultural Values is 4.190, the actual consistency index CI is 0.063, and the consistency ratio CR is 0.070 < 0.10, passing the consistency test.

Evaluation results

Repeat the above steps to complete the calculation of weight values for the ten experts’ questionnaires and conduct a consistency test. Use the weighted average method to calculate and rank the weight values obtained from the ten experts, as shown in Table 12.

Organize the results into a ranking chart, as shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5
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Comprehensive ranking chart of art intervention in public spaces on ancient villages.

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In the evaluative framework for artistic interventions in ancient villages, several key criteria are paramount. First, within environmental aesthetics, integration with the original landscape (C5, weight: 0.282, score: 0.087) is a crucial indicator, highlighting the importance of preserving natural landscapes and ecological environments. Additionally, environmental sanitation quality (C8, weight: 0.280, score: 0.086) plays a significant role, as it directly impacts resident health and tourist satisfaction.

Other indicators, such as compliance with village cultural aesthetics (C6, weight: 0.240, score: 0.074) and environmental art aesthetics (C7, weight: 0.178, score: 0.055), contribute by preserving and showcasing the unique cultural and aesthetic features of the villages, thereby enhancing their cultural appeal. The increase in greenery and improvement in ecological environments offer both residents and tourists more pleasant living and recreational settings, often realized through artistic installations and landscape design.

In terms of socio-cultural values, the improvement of quality of life (C16, weight: 0.329, score: 0.089) is the most important indicator for assessing the impact of artistic interventions on public spaces in ancient villages. Measures to improve the quality of life include upgrading infrastructure (such as roads and water/electricity facilities), optimizing living environments (such as enhancing house insulation), and strengthening public services (such as improving medical and educational resources). Additionally, cultural activities like community art festivals and public art exhibitions (C14, weight: 0.291, score: 0.079) enrich residents’ spiritual lives and foster community cohesion, breathing new vitality into villages through artistic expression.

In village transformation, spatial accessibility (C3, weight: 0.321, score: 0.078) holds the highest weight, underscoring its critical role in village redevelopment. A well-connected transportation network not only facilitates residents’ daily lives and travel but also plays a crucial role in promoting economic development, improving residents’ quality of life, and attracting tourists.

Although economic benefits (B3, weight: 0.181) rank relatively lower in the overall evaluation system, they remain integral to artistic intervention projects in ancient villages. Managing maintenance costs (C10, weight: 0.275, score: 0.050) and renovation costs (C9, weight: 0.263, score: 0.047), along with tapping into the economic development potential (C11, weight: 0.259, score: 0.047) of villages, is crucial for the long-term sustainability of these projects. Through artistic interventions, not only can the aesthetic value of the villages be enhanced, but economic value can also be added, injecting new vitality into the future of ancient villages.

Conclusion

In contemporary society, the preservation and sustainable development of ancient villages have become significant areas of concern. These villages carry rich cultural heritage and historical value, but they face challenges such as population outflow, cultural erosion, and environmental degradation due to modernization. In response, many regions have begun experimenting with artistic interventions to foster the sustainable development of these ancient villages. Yunnan Tengchong, as an important cultural heritage site in China, provides a valuable case for exploring the impact of artistic interventions. By re-evaluating the effects of these interventions on the public spaces of Tengchong’s ancient villages, we can gain a deeper understanding of their role and significance in promoting sustainable development.

Artistic interventions integrate art with the historical buildings, natural landscapes, and local cultural elements of ancient villages, infusing them with new cultural vitality. This integration enhances the environmental aesthetics and visual appeal of the villages, adding unique artistic charm. In Tengchong, artists have created numerous artworks that enrich the cultural connotations of the villages, attracting an increasing number of tourists and art enthusiasts. This influx of visitors injects new energy into the local economy, supporting the cultural revival of ancient villages and strengthening the community’s cultural identity.

Moreover, artistic interventions have significantly improved the quality of life for residents. In Tengchong, the rise of artistic activities has stimulated tourism, generating numerous employment opportunities and boosting local incomes. Villagers have engaged in the tourism service industry by running guesthouses and selling handicrafts, leading to improved income levels and living conditions. Additionally, artistic interventions have sparked greater interest in and appreciation for traditional culture, promoting the preservation and development of community culture and enhancing social cohesion and cultural confidence.

Artistic interventions also play a crucial role in the regeneration and transformation of public spaces in ancient villages. In Tengchong, artists have repurposed abandoned old houses and vacant lots into vibrant cultural and artistic venues, such as art galleries and folk cultural centers. These new spaces not only serve as important platforms for cultural and artistic exchange but also offer leisure and entertainment options for residents, enriching their spiritual lives. The transformation has improved spatial accessibility and transportation convenience, attracting more visitors and investments, and further boosting local economic development.

Balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, artistic interventions in Tengchong have demonstrated a new model of sustainable development. This model combines cultural and economic growth, as well as tradition and modernity, ensuring that economic development needs are met while protecting and inheriting cultural heritage. This approach offers a sustainable development path that integrates cultural preservation with economic vitality.

In conclusion, artistic interventions in the public spaces of ancient villages have profound and far-reaching implications. The case of Tengchong illustrates how artistic interventions can enhance environmental aesthetics, improve residents’ quality of life, promote space regeneration, and drive economic development, all while achieving a balance between economic benefits and cultural preservation. Future research and practice should continue to explore and refine artistic intervention models tailored to different regions and cultural contexts, offering valuable insights and support for the sustainable development of ancient villages. This not only aids in cultural revival but also provides important lessons for similar efforts elsewhere.