Abstract:
This creative project applies learned strategies to solve some community issues of a
rapidly developing country through an urban design concept based on local conditions.
The concept addresses two urban features of China--air pollution and high population
density--to explore strategies for redeveloping Zhongshanmen District, a typical old
residential area, into livable “green” communities.
The project begins by using literature review and case study to identify best practice
urban planning strategies. Three case studies provide different perspectives. South
Waterfront EcoDistrict (Portland, Oregon) provides effective reference for using
sustainable building materials, balancing residential and green areas, and reducing energy
waste. Caoyang New Village (Shanghai, China) reviews a successful large-scale
redevelopment project. Italian Style Area (Tianjin, China) reviews a problematic largescale
redevelopment with analysis of reasons for its failure.
This creative project paper concludes with recommendations to redevelop
Zhongshanmen District through transportation, open space and sustainable development.
