Abstract:
As one of the largest coastal cities in China, Tianjin is located along both sides of the
Hai River, which belongs to the largest water system in North China. Historically, colonists from
the West settled in Tianjin along the Hai River in separate landholding “concessions”. As a result
of the long-term colonial occupation, Tianjin has a rich historic heritage reflecting their varying
cultural backgrounds. The city urgently needs a preservation plan for the historic heritage.
This creative project creates a Framework Landscape Plan for a certain area of Hai
River waterfront of Tianjin based on historical research and it comprehensively addresses
historic consideration, current issues and a vision of the future. It does not only propose a historic
preservation strategy but also redevelops the historic waterfront by providing a Cultural Trail and
a landscape renewal plan. The waterfront project is a start for historic preservation of Tianjin and
a framework that can be applied for the rest of former concession area.
