AECOM’s Post

On July 16, 2024, Ding Feng, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Ruan Yisan Urban Heritage Protection Foundation, shared valuable insights into the unique urban characteristics and the ongoing efforts to protect Shanghai’s cultural heritage. Here are some of the major conclusions from her presentation: 1. Historical Evolution:   - Shanghai's history spans over 700 years, with significant urban development stages from the pre-1843 era to the present. The city's unique identity has been shaped by a blend of traditional Jiangnan culture and Western influences, forming the distinctive "Haipai" culture. 2. Architectural Diversity:   - Shanghai's architectural landscape reflects a rich mix of styles:    - Lilong Residences: A blend of Chinese and Western architectural elements, representing a unique urban residential form.    - Garden Villas: Predominantly located in former concessions, showcasing a variety of foreign architectural styles.    - High-rise Apartments: Emerged in the 1930s, catering to the influx of foreign residents.    - Public Buildings: Large public structures predominantly feature Western architectural styles, particularly those built before the 1930s.    - Industrial Buildings: Shanghai's early 20th-century industrial structures are vital heritage sites, showcasing the city’s role in China's modern industrial history. 3. Heritage Protection Efforts:   - Shanghai has established a robust heritage protection framework, with over 1,058 historical buildings, 397 protected roads, and 250 protected neighborhoods.   - Key protection initiatives include the conservation of historical cultural districts like the Bund and Sinan Road, which serve as prime examples of blending urban development with cultural heritage preservation. 4. Challenges and Successes:   - Protecting Shanghai's lilong residences remains a complex challenge due to their large numbers and poor conditions. However, successful conservation efforts in areas like Xintiandi showcase the potential for balancing preservation with modern urban needs.   - The adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, particularly along Suzhou Creek, has been a successful model, transforming old factories into vibrant cultural and creative spaces. 5. Future Directions:   - Ongoing updates to the city's heritage protection regulations reflect Shanghai’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy while embracing modern development. #Shanghai #UrbanHeritage #CulturalPreservation #ArchitecturalDiversity #CityPlanning #HeritageProtection

Seoul is once again leading the way in reimagining urban spaces! When you go back in history, Seoul made the bold decision to remove elevated roadways, like the Cheonggyecheon highway, to prioritize public transportation and create more space for citizens. Now, the city is taking another visionary step by planning to bury 94% (67.6 km) of its 71.6 km above-ground railway. Expected to begin in 2027, this project will reclaim 1.22 million square meters for parks and green spaces, reducing noise and enhancing urban livability. Seoul’s commitment to sustainable and people-centered urban design is truly inspiring. Imagine the impact if more cities followed this approach! #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #Seoul #Infrastructure #SmartCities #PublicTransport

[HKIA Journal | Issue 79: Community] From Spaces to Places: How Retail Centres in Sha Tin New Town Cultivate Community Identity Don Hong   Renowned as the world’s most densely populated hub of shopping malls, Hong Kong serves as an exemplar illustrating the profound influence of consumption activities on our daily lives. Nonetheless, there are more shopping malls strategically positioned within new towns, intricately connected to an extensive transit system, public housing and other real estate developments. This planning approach has effectively reconfigured the residential landscape and redefined the communal fabric in Hong Kong. This essay will explore the relationship between built environments and the incubation of community identity. It will then examine how the physical setting at retail centres cultivates community identity particularly in Sha Tin new town, with suggestions of the challenges and opportunities associated with this endeavor.   For the full HKIA Journal, please visit https://lnkd.in/ghq8C-YK HKIA Journal Issue 80: Technology in Architecture is now calling for papers. The submission deadline for viewpoint essays and project showcases is on 18 October 2024. More details at https://lnkd.in/gRMvhAfj #hkia #architecture #journal #community

MVRDV's winning proposal for the Shenzhen Terraces project in China is set to transform the area into a dynamic and sustainable urban living space. The project is designed to be a multi-functional and integrated part of the university neighborhood. It aims to provide a vibrant and innovative environment with over 20 programs, such as a small gallery, library, and outdoor theater. In contrast to the high-rise buildings in the area, the Shenzhen Terraces feature a unique design with horizontal lines and gentle curves. Stacked plateaus are used to seamlessly blend the existing landscape with the new development. Sustainability is a key focus of the project, which also prioritizes pedestrian-friendly landscapes and incorporates a mix of functions and public transportation options. The Shenzhen Terraces will not only enhance the urban environment but also provide a space for the community to engage in cultural, recreational, and educational activities, making it a significant addition to the region. . . . . #mvrdv #shenzhenterraces #urbantransformation #sustainableliving #multifunctionaldesign #universityneighborhood #vibrantcommunity #innovativeenvironment #culturalhub #sustainablearchitecture #pedestrianfriendly #publictransportation #communityengagement #shenzhenproject #dynamicdesign #greenurbanspace #architectureinchina #mvrdvdesign #shenzhendevelopment #culturalactivities #sustainableurbanliving

In Beijing’s Chaoyang District, the Liangma River has transformed from a polluted waterway into a vibrant urban landmark with the new Waterfront Landscape Corridor. The new waterfront, designed by #AECOM, has redefined the river’s role in the city, turning it into a vibrant leisure destination and an iconic landmark. Guided by green #design principles, our work blends ecological restoration with urban renewal, setting a model for river revitalization. The Liangma River now exemplifies how innovative design fosters thriving urban environments where #nature, culture, and commerce coexist. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gQ9Q4jxG (Video credit: People's Daily)

Imagine an abandoned highway brought to life as a thriving green sanctuary in the heart of Shanghai. 💗 Today, we want to spotlight the innovative Shanghai Lowline Park—a project turning an unused industrial underbelly into a vibrant hub of nature and culture. This groundbreaking endeavour from Fish Design isn't just a park; it's a renaissance of urban space. Here's what sets the Shanghai Lowline Park apart: 📍 Location Innovation: Nestled along a deserted sunken highway, the park gives a second life to forgotten urban landscapes, enriching Shanghai's environment. 📐 Immersive Design: Beyond adding greenery, the park’s immersive design honours its industrial past while infusing nature into every corner, crafting interactive experiences. 🌳 Nature's Return: With an extensive array of flora and fauna, the Lowline not only offers a burst of fresh air but a haven for wildlife amidst the city sprawl. 🫶 Cultural Fusion: The park embodies Shanghai's spirit with artistic touchpoints and historical narratives that unpack the city's rich tapestry for all visitors. ♻️ Sustainability at Core: By integrating green technology, such as rainwater collections and solar lighting, the Lowline sets benchmarks for eco-conscious urban design. 🫂 Community First: Shaped by public insight, the park reflects the community's heartbeat, driven by collaborative workshops and inclusive planning. The Shanghai Lowline Park exemplifies how dormant urban spaces can be astoundingly reborn, fostering green, cultural, and communal vitality. Photos by Pan Shan & Inter-mountain_Wu Qingshan & Rucker Park #MASSIVartLoves #UrbanDevelopment #Innovation #GreenSpaces #ShanghaiLowline #CommunityEngagement #SustainableDesign #FishDesign

🌟 Transforming Urban Landscapes: Singapore's Blueprint for the Future 🌟 In a world grappling with urban housing crises, Singapore stands out as a beacon of innovation and strategic urban planning. Spearheaded by visionary urban planner Liu Thai Ker, Singapore's public housing initiative has reshaped the ethos of affordable living, setting a global benchmark for developers and investors alike. 🏙️ From overcrowded slums to high-rise havens, Singapore's journey is not just about providing roofs over heads. It's about crafting communities, embracing architectural excellence, and ensuring that public housing remains within the reach of its citizens. Despite the rising challenge with units now fetching prices north of $1 million, the essence of affordability and inclusivity remains at the core of Singapore's vision. Liu Thai Ker's approach, focusing on self-sufficient neighborhoods complete with schools, shops, and playgrounds, has not just transformed Singapore's landscape but has also fostered a strong sense of community among residents. It is a testament to the power of comprehensive planning, governmental support, and a relentless focus on the well-being of citizens. 💡 For developers, investors, and urban planners, Singapore’s success story offers invaluable insights into creating sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused urban environments. The leap from overcrowded slums to spacious high-rises underlines the crucial role of public policy, innovation in public works, and architectural ingenuity in urban development. 🌍 As we move towards a future where urban spaces demand ingenuity and sustainability, let's take a leaf out of Singapore's book. The fusion of visionary urban planning and steadfast public policy offers a replicable model for cities worldwide. Explore the full story and draw inspiration for your next project: https://lnkd.in/eEz6de5b #UrbanPlanning #PublicHousing #Architecture #Innovation #SustainableDevelopment #SingaporeModel #RealEstateInvestment #DorianBahr

JTC's commitment to sustainable and innovative architecture recognised by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Tower 86 at #PunggolDigitalDistrict, is the tallest timber-concrete hybrid office building in Southeast Asia, and stands as a testament to our vision of creating vibrant, functional, and aesthetically pleasing industrial spaces. “Gone are the days where people would simply just aspire to work in dirty, hot, weary and unattractive places. Modern workers all wish for an attractive place to work – one where there are amenities, one where there is life, and one where there is vibrancy. Good #design, and attractive buildings, particularly tall attractive buildings, become centres of talking points. And this is why in JTC – we also have design guidelines not only for function, but we often look at form as well,” said JTC CEO Boon Khai Tan. For example, Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), a 44m tall building in JTC’s #JurongInnovationDistrict sitting on 4.4 ha of land – houses not only an #automated car assembly system, but also a rooftop 618m skytrack, an indoor vertical farm with a renowned Korean restaurant, and which runs a customer experience space – and with such a building, the new-age of industrial developments comes to life, and has become a place to visit, rather than places to avoid.   “In Singapore, we are already slowly and surely on the way to better efficiency in the brick-and-mortar industry, through technology, #digitalisation, and #innovation – and I am confident JTC will continue to push this,” he said.   Let's continue to push the boundaries of #urbandesign and build a brighter future for our cities. #BuildingIndustries

Urban Design is a bridging discipline in complex systems that centres on relationships and partnerships for a liveable world. This message resonated with me at the recent Urban Design Round Table - Shaping Liveable Cities through Urban Design, hosted by Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) on 13 November 2024. Invited speakers Joe Berridge, Wataru Tanaka and Christopher Lee shared their experiences in - A Global Perspective on Designing Better Cities. They also joined as panel in dialogue with Siew Leng Fun and Lay Bee Yap from URA about reimagining urban spaces - Urban Design as a Catalyst for Change Congratulations URA in celebrating 50 years with 2024 box set publication of 4 guidebooks for Singapore Urban Design - A Distinctive & Delighful City - A Green & Liveable City - A Connected & Inclusive City - From Plans to Reality “Behind every great city is the work of urban design that brings together crucial elements in our streets and buildings to make our experience of the city more comfortable and memorable.“ https://lnkd.in/gVx-F7rY A great reminder in how the planning process of care, green strategies and long standing collaboration work through successful urban design to harmonise context, community, connectivity, culture and creativity in a healthy living breathing urban environment. #urbandesign #liveablecities #green #sustainable #regenerative #relationships #partnerships #care #collaboration #context #community #connectivity #culture #creativity #complexsystems

【📕 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚: "𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚" 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞】   Since our establishment in Shanghai in 2018, the #USGBC North Asia office has been operational for six years. During this time, we've witnessed the remarkable growth of #LEED in the North Asia region and documented the stories of over 30 enterprises/brands in sustainability over the past 20 years. These narratives have culminated in the release of our book titled "Green Building Actions in the Context of Dual Carbon: LEED in China".   On March 21, during the four-day Design Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, jing wang, Vice President, North Asia of our organization, officially launched the book. The event, targeting architects, interior designers, real estate developers, and design-savvy consumers, provided an ideal platform for the book's unveiling. Then Jing initiated in a discussion with Jae C., Design Director of McDonald's China, focusing on "More than Design: Building a Sustainable Brand with Green Buildings."   The book comprises 52 articles organized into five chapters: · 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏: Introduces LEED and its practical applications in daily life, exploring mainstream social topics e.g. "How to make cities more female-friendly?". · 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐: Features interviews with executives from real estate industry giants, including Shui On Land, Swire Properties, etc. · 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑: Explores sustainable practices implemented by various industry giants, such as Tencent and Volkswagen. · 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒: Showcases landmark projects representing different types of LEED-certified spaces in China. · 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓: Presents case studies of LEED for Cities and Communities, along with an analysis of Chinese cities with a high prevalence of green building construction.   The book is currently available for purchase on mainstream websites in China, serving as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in sustainable building practices. U.S. Green Building Council Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) #LEEDinChina #greenbuildings #sustainability #ESG #carbonneutrality