Urban Planning
This project involves the comprehensive redevelopment of the area surrounding Taiyuan South Railway Station. Located 10 kilometers from the city center, the site is distinctly defined by two major transportation infrastructures - the railway and expressway systems - which naturally divide the area into three clearly demarcated zones.
Our design approach intentionally reinforces rather than disrupts the strong axial presence of these transportation systems. At the opposite terminus of the station axis, we propose creating an attractive focal node comprising research facilities, exhibition spaces, and conference venues, strategically designed to encourage pedestrian flow and activity throughout the site.
Pedestrian connectivity will be significantly enhanced through the creation of diverse, human-scale public spaces that collectively form the district's main service-oriented commercial thoroughfare. To mitigate potential noise pollution and clearly delineate the new urban spaces, we incorporate a linear structural element serving as both a buffer zone and transitional space between the railway and expressway corridors.
While the primary organizational axis maintains its north-south orientation along the transportation corridor, the design introduces secondary cross-connections at a finer grain, particularly to facilitate pedestrian circulation. This is achieved through a multi-layered urban structure that organizes transportation systems (including roads, metro, and high-speed rail) as its foundational layer. Above this base, we superimpose pedestrian networks and commercial open spaces. Additional programmatic layers - including office spaces and mixed-use functions - are strategically distributed based on location-specific conditions and land values to optimize development density and create spatial variety.
The fundamental objective of this layered approach is not to isolate different systems, but rather to creatively resolve interface challenges where systems intersect. This methodology produces innovative design solutions where spaces dynamically adapt to functional requirements, scale considerations, and environmental contexts, resulting in a cohesive yet flexible urban environment.
Taiyuan
2011
