Lessons from China: Re-Weaving Urban Fabrics

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, Chinese cities provided an unprecedented opportunity — to design, to experiment, and to innovate. The lure of the biggest and most unusual design commissions offered by the Chinese government as well as private developers fostered an influx of foreign designers. A convergence of Chinese and foreign practices in which progress and “international achievement” were confused, and iconic images of governmental, corporate or architectural identity subsumed urban identities. The result has been a cacophony of competing markers and a loss of urban identity and legibility within and among Chinese cities. This narrative is not unique to China, and the dearth of strategies for rapid development is the next challenge for all designers.

Keywords

China’s Cities / Urban Design / Identity / Legibility / Urban Fabrics / Continuity

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2014 Higher Education Press