19 Nov 2024
Recently, an innovative urban renewal project by a team of Urban Planning and Design Year Four students from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's Design School received honorary award at the 15th YUANYE International Competition and was also showcased at the 6th Jiangsu University Design Exhibition.
Their winning project, “Romantic Re-narration: Urban Renewal of Cha Hua Cun based on Spatial Narrative Theory”, exemplifies their commitment to preserving cultural heritage while innovatively addressing the needs of modern urban spaces. Under the mentorship of the UPD faculty, students demonstrated design excellence and extraordinary teamwork and dedication.
According to the project members, their project focused on a regeneration plan for Chahua Village in Suzhou's Gusu District, grounded in the belief that a city's true value lies not just in its skyscrapers but in the emotions and memories it fosters.
“Drawing inspiration from Suzhou’s camellias and the symbolism of wedding dresses, we crafted a series of evocative, culturally resonant stories. The camellias' elegance and the wedding dresses' romance create a distinctive ambience, capturing the essence of Suzhou’s charm. Through a thoughtfully designed, multi-sensory experience—engaging sight, sound, smell, and touch—visitors are immersed in the area's cultural richness.
“The designed pathway offers a journey through Suzhou's architectural heritage, blending the traditional with the contemporary to create a compelling 'time tunnel' effect. This approach highlights the unique character of Chahua Village, making it a place that draws people in and encourages them to stay. We believe that by preserving and nurturing the cultural soul of the city, we can evoke a deep connection that inspires people to envision and appreciate a beautiful life in Suzhou.”
For the team members, teamwork spirit has been crucial, and the close cooperation between them allowed each member's strengths to be fully utilised.
“What we are most proud of in this competition is the spirit of teamwork. When faced with challenges, we would brainstorm together, get inspiration from each other, and quickly develop solutions.
“Throughout the process, feedback and suggestions from each member allowed us to continuously improve our work, ensuring that our final solution was both innovative and practical. We also recognised the important role of teamwork in urban design.”
They also believe that it’s equally important to conduct in-depth research on the competition theme, and to balance creativity with feasibility
“Before beginning the design process, it is crucial to fully understand the theme and context to ensure that the work aligns with real needs and respects cultural backgrounds. Comprehensive site research is equally important, as it allows the design to remain grounded in reality and connect more meaningfully with people’s lives.
“Bold innovation is important in the design process, but it must be paired with practical considerations to ensure ideas can be realised. Proficiency in design software and hand-drawing techniques can also significantly enhance the quality and expressiveness of the work, making the final presentation more compelling.”
The project members include UPD Year Four students Ruijia Pei, Yinuo Wang, Yantong Shi, and Xinxin Wu.
Story and photos provided by UPD
Edited by Yi Qian
19 Nov 2024