Government plans to use new urban design principles to redevelop Kunming

Throughout all four seasons, a flower in bloom never grows old. Kunmings beauty, like a river and spring moon. UrbanDATAs CEO and principal, Dr. Wenhui Shan recently reported that Kunmings Spring City plans to utilize new urban design principles in its redevelopment scheme. The overarching plan is to beautify and improve the spatial quality of Kunming by creating an eco-city along the waterfront.

Dr. Shan has expressed the significance of urban design in elevating standards of living for urban residents living in Kunming. Shans explanation is that design over the practice of planning takes into consideration the socio-spatial experience and enriching livelihoods via spatial design. The core design principles are the following: To organize the urban aesthetics of Kunming around its geographic assets; to alleviate urban residents from the daily stresses of modern urban life; to utilize concepts of sustainable design to create a city that coexists with nature.

In the process of rapid urbanization, China has neglected the natural environment. An urban skeletal form has been created, but the health of the urban tissue is greatly lacking. We have been too focused on the speed of development and forgotten to address the livelihoods of urban residents, said Dr. Shan. High quality urban design does not mean the accumulation of useless billboards and flashy neon lights in urban centers. Rather, it means cutting out all the excess details and simplifying.

From an urban design perspective, what should Kunming add and subtract? Dr. Shan has mentioned that the large scale pollution of Dian Lake requires urgent attention. Construction within the 30 sq. km radius has been similar to the development of the rustbelt regions of Chinas Northeast. The problem is that there is a severe lack of public space. Besides Cui Lake, many natural sites such as Panlong River are being overwhelmed by the infrastructure development. Kunmings natural assets are characterized by three mountain peaks and a body of water. By utilizing its geographic assets, the design proposal seeks to create a vivid urban image by providing social space for residents along the waterfront. This design takes into account factors that will alleviate the psychological stress of urban living and increase spatial identity.

UrbanDATAs team of researchers have carried out in-depth studies on the development capacity and urban growth patterns of Kunming, analyzed various techniques of organic urban regeneration and thought about ways in which to incorporate historical preservation while developing the local cultural tourism industry. UrbanDATAs team of experts has decided to begin development on two fronts: 1. Increase waterfront development along Dian Lake to foster tourism; 2. Emphasize development along the Cultural Temple along the citys central axis.

Much of UrbanDATAs design inspiration is taken from an urban design proposal of San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s. In 1972, the City of San Francisco sought to redevelop the waterfront (an area of roughly 70 sq. km). Today, Kunming is proposing a waterfront redevelopment plan at the scale of 3000 sq. km, exceeding the size of San Franciscos peninsula.

Harvard GSDs former dean and renown scholar, Peter Rowe has been a dedicated consultant for this project. Rowe believes that this is the right time to be thinking about sustainable design and an exciting opportunity for UrbanDATA. Dr. Shan has introduced the notion of urban design in the Kunming redevelopment project, breaking away from traditional methods of planning. The plan is open to modification by the process of participatory planning by residents. We need to encourage diverse styles of participation. Urban development should seek first to satisfy the needs of the people who will inhabit the space. It is dually important to listen to the input of local residents and then modify accordingly. Though the pace of modern development is fast, we must not forget the principles of urban design in the planning process. We want to create beautiful and enjoyable spaces, says Shan. Planning takes the efforts of many, including the collaboration between government and its people.