1.the wallThe re-discovery of ordinary public places in analternative urban architectural model for Chinese cities The case of ChengduJasper NijveldtTU Delft RepositoryFor more information please contactjasper.nijveldt@gmail.com or visitwww.jaspernijveldt.com.I would love to hear your tips, ideas or critique!

2. the wall The re-discovery of ordinary public places in analternative urban architectural model for Chinese cities The case of ChengduJasper Nijveldt 3. The Wall - StudioleaderThe re-discovery of ordinary publicMitesh Dixitplaces in an alternative urban OMAarchitectural model for Chinese cities The case of ChengduSupervisors prof. ir. Henco BekkeringMaster thesisdr. ir. Luisa CalabreseDelft University of Technology prof. ir. Kees KaanFaculty of Architectureir. Henri van BennekomDepartment of Urbanism03-02-2012 Mentor team prof. ir. Henco BekkeringJasper NijveldtProfessor Chair of Urban Design1332279jasper.nijveldt@gmail.comAssoc. Prof. Deborah Hauptmannwww.jaspernijveldt.com Associate Professor of Architecture Delft School of DesignStudioStudio Vertical Cities AsiaKeywordsMaster Studio (U, A, BT, RE&H) China, public space, density,Chair of Materialisation,landscape, architecture, urbanArchitecture design, air quality, placemakingChair of Urban Design, UrbanismVertical Cities AsiaThe studio is part of the Vertical City Asia Competition. The results of theP2 were sent in to compete. This international competition is organized forfive successive years - 2011/2015 - by the School of Design and Environ-ment of the National University of Singapore, financially supported by theWorld Future Foundation. Successive locations will be in different Asiancountries; Chengdu is the first. Each year there is a main theme. This yearthe theme of clean air will be researched. The Brief:Every year, for the next five years, a one square kilometer territory willbe the subject of the Competition. This area, to house 100,000 people livingand working, sets the stage for tremendous research and investigation intourban density, verticality, domesticity, work, food, infrastructure, nature,ecology, structure, and program their holistic integration and the questfor visionary paradigm will be the challenges of this urban and architecturalinvention.This new environment will have a full slate of live-work-playprovisions, with the residential component making up to 50% of the totalfloor space. In the first of this series of competitions, the theme of FreshAir will be explored. In the congested cities of Asia, the problems of urbani 4. sprawl, traffic congestion and pollution have threatened the prospects ofbiodiversity, greenery, livability and general well-being of the inhabitants.The competition seeks design solutions for a balanced environment forurban life where public amenities and work opportunities are within easyaccess. It encourages efficient and clean modes of travels that contribute toclean and fresh air.Competitors are design studios from the schools of architecture of:AsiaNational University of SingaporeTsinghua University, BeijingTongji University, ShanghaiUniversity of TokyoThe Chinese University of Hong KongEuropeEidgenossische Technische Hochschule/eth, ZurichDelft University of TechnologyNorth AmericaUniversity of MichiganUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of California at BerkeleyEach participating school can nominate two competition entries. Oneteacher and two students are invited to the award seminar in Singapore,with lectures by the five members of the international jury and the teninternational teachers. Each year, the proceedings of the seminar will bepublished together with the twenty students projects. Prices are 8.500, 5.700 and 2.800.The tu Delft multidisciplinary studio will involve students in the last yearof their Master studies in Urbanism, Architecture and Real Estate & Hous-ing. Aspects to be researched are future design, urban density, physical andsocial sustainability, feasibility and so on. The start in January 2011 will bean intensive design workshop; the competition entry has to be sent in by theend of June 2011. The emphasis during the first semester is on group workfor the design and its argumentation. The project the Wall, the first designpart of this thesis (h4.1 t/m h4.3), conducted together with Herman Pel andBart van Lakwijk have won the second prize. During the second semesterstudents will finish their Master thesis in their chosen discipline of Urban-ism, Architecture or Real Estate & Housing.ii 5. the wallThe re-discovery of ordinary public places in an alternative urban architecturalmodel for Chinese cities The case of ChengduThis thesis is a specific research about the city of Chengdu in China. Thecity of Chengdu is at the very heart of the dramatic transformation of Chinaand can be seen as a perfect model city of Chinese recent growth. Togetherwith the city of Chongqing it is one of the largest urban agglomerationsin the world. In terms of gdp, fdi, infrastructure and living standards, itshowed an explosive growth. The city almost doubled in size the last 15years.There are however enormous qualitative challenges for further growthconcerning land use, domesticity, public space, biodiversity, water and airquality. The current city model, similar to numerous other cities in China,is however no longer durable, to cope with this. The result of the thesis isto propose an alternative urban model that will guide the city towards com-pact growth, giving at the same time place to the millions of new migrants.Thereby it acknowledges public space as the crucial building block fora durable city. The hypothesis is that by improving the spatial quality ofpublic spaces, other problems will mitigate as well. The thesis is unfoldedin four parts: Introduction, Urban China, Theory, Design and Conclusion.The thesis is introduced by providing a framework, which describes thebackground and derives a problem statement from this. Urban China is achapter with data in which the challenges will be researched in order toget a clear pictures of the matters at hand. The theory part discusses morethoroughly the problem of public space and provides a framework for thedesign part. A conclusion will be derived from this.The thesis is written within the context of the studio Vertical Cities Asia.This means that part of the results were send in to the international designcompetition in Singapore in which it received the second prize. Thereby, itwas obligatory to develop an urban architectural design for 100,000 peopleon 1km2 on the south of the city. At least the theme of clean air needed to beaddressed in the design.The problems in the case of Chengdu exist in large parts of Urban China.These cities are also faced with critical problems due to an uncontrolled dis-persed growth and, thereby neglecting the importance of public space forthe everyday lives of their residents.Keywords: China, public space, density, landscape, architecture, urbandesign, air quality, placemakingiii 6. Fingermodel of Chengdu Doomsday The Wall156 KM2 The Wall encloses space on every scaleiv 7. 1 INTRODUCTION1.1 URBAN BILLION21.2 PROBLEM FIELD31.2.1 Challenge31.2.2 Qualitative growth 31.2.3 Alternative urban architectural model61.2.4 Hypothesis: Re-discovery of ordinary public places 121.2.5 Case-study Chengdu 121.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT201.4 METHODOLOGY211.5 RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE231.5.1 Scientific and societal relevance231.5.2 Ethics 232 URBAN CHINA2.1 DEMOGRAPHY 282.2 ECONOMY302.3 TRANSPORT322.4 LIVING 342.5 ENVIRONMENT362.6 CROSSROADS 383 THEORY3.1 PROBLEM OF THE ORDINARY423.1.1 Urban placemaking423.1.2 Theory structure 443.2 DEFINITION OF THE ORDINARY 453.1.2 Importance of ordinary public places 453.2.2 Situate the ordinary 493.2.3 Synthesis513.3 LOSS OF THE ORDINARY 523.3.1 Socio-spatial dialectic523.3.2 Radical transformation in China523.3.3 Placelessness553.3.4 Body and environment 593.4 PERCEPTION OF THE ORDINARY 603.4.1 Perception of space603.4.2 Principles 61v 8. 3.4.3 Linearity 623.4.4 Hierarchy 643.4.5 Unity 683.4.6 Human scale 703.4.7 Enclosure 713.4.8 Understanding Chinese cities743.5 THE RE-DISCOVERY OF THE ORDINARY763.5.1 Discussion763.5.2 Form places by enclosing spaces 774 DESIGN4.1 DIAGNOSIS 824.1.1 Chengdu 824.1.2 Doomsday944.2 CONCEPT 1024.2.1 The Wall1024.2.2 Framework 1044.2.3 Increasing air quality1044.2.4 Generic becomes specific1104.3 FRAMEWORK 1164.3.1 Building the wall 1164.3.2 Integrating the wall1224.4 ZOOM IN: THE SPONGE 1414.4.1 Existing context1444.4.2 Series of enclosed worlds 1504.4.3 Walking from metro to bedroom 2024.5 EVALUATION2184.5.1 Hypothesis evaluation 2184.5.2 Critique2184.5.3 The Wall as integral design 2214.5.4 New Chinese Walls 2235 CONCLUSIONSamenvatting228Bibliography230Image credits 225Acknowledgements236vi 9. 1INTRODUCTIONThis chapter will describe the background and problem field resultingin a problem statement. A main research and design question and a setof sub-questions will be derived from this. 1 10. 1.1URBAN BILLIONChinas economic success and rapidly rising standard of living have resultedin a historically unprecedented surge of urbanization that is set to continue( 1). If the current trend continues, nearly one billion people will live inChinas cities by 2025, requiring construction on a scale never seen before( 2). China will have 221 cities with more than one million inhabitants -compared with 35 in Europe today - of which 23 cities will have more thanfive million people. Research by McKinsey (2008) projects that China willbuild almost 40 billion square meters of floor space over the next 20 years,requiring the construction of between 20,000 and 50,000 new skyscrapers(buildings of more than 30 floors) - the equivalent of up to ten New YorkCities. The urban economy will generate over 90 percent of Chinas gdp by2025 (McKinsey, 2008).As the economy grows, it is likely that China will continue to increase itsprosperity. Even the recent global financial crisis will likely have smalleffect on the long-term perspectives on urbanization. In all likelihood thenations continuing urbanization will ensure that China will fulfill theambitious economic growth target set out at the 17th Party Congress in2007 (Hu, 2007) of quadrupling per capita gdp by 2020.1.1 Urbanization. Predominantly in Asia.2 11. Compound annual growth rate,200525Millions of people% 926 2.4 120 6.9 104 1.1 Megacities (10+) 572 32316 3.4 Big cities84 (510) Midsized cities161 (1.55) 233 2.2 Small cities 150 (0.51.5) Big towns 0.3145154 ( 900800 - 900700 - 800600 - 700 Chengdu500 - 600400 - 500300 - 400200 - 300100 - 20050 - 1000 - 50Population density, China 2006 (persons/sqkm). Vertical Cities Asia Vertical Cities Asia Competitioncompetition is organized by Therefore the competition of Vertical Cities Asia, in which this thesis com-the National University ofpetes, promotes the development of ideas and theories in urban growthSingapore and financially sup-and architectural form related to density, liveability and sustainability spe-ported by the World Futurecific to the rapid and exponential growth of urbanism in Asiait seeksFoundation. design solutions for a balanced environment for urban life where public www.verticalcitiesasia.com amenities and work opportunities are within easy access. It encourages effi-cient and clean modes of travels that contribute to clean and fresh air. (nus,2011) But how will this model look like?1.2.3 Alternative urban architectural modelAs China seeks to handle the enormous challenges, there are in fact sev-eral urban architectural models open, which can, to a great extent, influencehow urbanization plays out. McKinsey Global Institute (mgi) studied Chi-nas urbanization and its future possible urban architectural model (2008).McKinsey developed and examined four urbanization models, each plau-sible outcomes of urbanization over the next 20 years ( 4 5).Dispersed modelThe current trend points to China heading toward a dispersed rampanturbanization model ( 4). However, the costs in this dispersed model, are6 15. DistributedTown-growth izationSuper Hub andPressure points cities spoke Pressure points LandLand developmentdevelopment CongestionCongestion Labor andLabor and skillsskills FundingFunding WaterWater Energy High pressureEnergy Medium pressure PollutionPollutionLow pressure (McKinsey 2011)1.4 Current trend dispersed scattered growth. 1.5 Suggested pattern concentrated growth.according to McKinsey unacceptably high. The arable land resources willshrink rapidly, the landscape and environment will further be affected andother problems will increase.From a spatial point of view, public space is especially under pressure:Subtle pedestrian streets and courtyards, intertwined with its context arein contrast with a superimposed neo-corbusian landscape with enclosedislands and high-rise superslabs (Mars and Hornsby, 2008; Hartog, 2010).An interesting contrast, which gives considerable freedom to build, leadingto a continuous promise of reconstruction and increase in living standards,but according to several scholars the public space is more and more separat-ing Chinese society resulting in an alienated relationship with the city (Zhu,2003; Hassenpflug, 2004; Miao, 2011; Abramson, 2008; Olds, 2001; Perryand Selden, 2010). Ordinary public space, which is space that is meaningfulfor everyday life of local residents and communities, is being neglected tobe a basic building block in the city, fortifying the problems China is facing.7 16. Expensive lakeside bought by speculators. Sattelite Chenggong with 100,000 new apartments.Half finished new town in the middle of the desert in Inner Mongolia. 8 17. Ordos, a new town build in five years.Low rise development outside Changsha.New development north-east of Xinyang. New dispersed developments giving rise to a real estate bubble. Some estimate as many as 64 million empty apartments are on the market (Finance Asia 2011). 9 18. Urban populationUrban GDP Urban GDP/capita Million peopleRenminbi trillion, 2000 Renminbi thousand, 20002005573 1221Supercities 9176876Hub and spoke 9306875Distributed 9446065growthTownization935 5462 +26%+23%1.6 Generate highest per capita GDP. Urban energy intensityUrban GDP Urban energy demand BTU per renminbiRenminbi trillion, 2000 QBTUs20054,9171259Supercities 1,92668 131 +20%Hub and spoke 2,08868142Distributedgrowth2,31760 139Townization 2,278 541231.7 Higher efficient use of energy, +15%More effective control of pollution.89China total arable landMillion hectaresLoss20052025,%125Central government120target minimum for 2010115 Hub and spoke7Supercities811010510020Distributed growth95Townization221.8 Contain loss of arable land.02005 2010 2015202020251 10 19. Compact modelMcKinsey (McKinsey, 2008) suggests that a more compact pattern of urban-ization ( 5) is most likely to reduce the pressures and increase the overallproductivity of the urban system. In contrary, a dispersed growth modelfortifies these pressures ( 4). Therefore McKinsey strongly recommendsthat new urban architectural models should guide China toward a compactpattern of urbanization. This compact growth would have many positiveimplications linked to higher productivity and efficiency ( 6 7 8). Thiswould include: Highest per capita GDP ( 6). Compact growth models, would produce up to 20 per- cent higher per capita gdp than more dispersed growth models. Scale effects and pro- ductivity gains are larger in compact urbanization models. More efficient use of energy ( 7). Energy productivity would be about 20 percent higher. Lowest rate of loss of arable land ( 8). There could be a reduction in the loss of arable land to only 7 percent to 8 percent of the current total, whereas a more dispersed model would result in losses of more than 20 percent. More efficient mass-transit. Compact urban architectural models would attain the necessary public-transport capacity with lower costs and higher chances of successful execution. More effective control of pollution ( 7). Although megacities that develop in a super- cities scenario would face extremely serious peak pollution problems (e.g. nox), mgi research shows that enforcement of measures to regulate pollution is more wide- spread and effective in larger cities than in smaller cities. Moreover, McKinsey states that a dispersed urban architectural model would generate the greatest amount of emissions countrywide, and would produce more water pollution than would a com- pact urban architectural model. Availability of talent. While talent will tend to concentrate in big cities, we expect a significant shortage of these workers in small and midsized cities (the trend is already clear today). Compact urbanization scenarios would thus have the advantage of having an abundance of talent in centres that are the engines of economic growth, enabling a more rapid transition to higher-value-added activities.Policy shifts are required but the benefits described above are enormous.Not only for China, but also for the rest of the world. Therefore it is impor-tant to research alternative urban architectural models that could guideUrban China towards compact urbanization. Not only investigating verti-cality is important, but also a new efficient planning system is crucial. 11 20. urban development 2 km from the site in Chengdu. 1.2.4Hypothesis: Re-discovery of ordinary public places The hypothesis of this thesis is that by re-discovering the fundamental role of ordinary public space in Chinese cities, several other problems can be addressed and even be mitigated. It can guide Chinese cities towards a more compact urban architectural model. This hypothesis is endorsed by several scholars. Streets and their sidewalks, the main public spaces of the city, are its most vital organs (Jacobs, 1961, p. 29). Others suggest that if ...we do right by our streets we can in large measure do right by the city as a whole and, therefore and most importantly, by its inhabitants (Jacobs, 1961, p. 314; Carmona et al., 2005; Gehl, 2001). Since public place is such a broad and culturally defined term, an extensive theoretical study will investigate the meaning and perception of the term in China. 1.2.5 Case-study ChengduEvery year, for the next fiveIn this thesis the city of Chengdu is used as a case-study. The competitionyears, a one square kilometreassigned a small strip of land on the south of the city ( 9) to design a master-territory will be the subject of plan for 100,000 people per sqkm, whereby it was obligatory to address thethe competition. air quality. The city of Chengdu is at the very heart of the dramatic trans- formation ( 10) of China and can be seen as a perfect model city of Chinese recent growth. It is also a city under pressure of an enormous amount of new migrants from the rural areas. Like in many Chinese cities, the recent growth is explosive, and a lot of valuable arable land is lost. 12 21. 1.10 Comparative analysisof Chengdu and world cities.Chengdu sits in an emergingnew region for important cities:interior China. CHENGDUBOSTONLONDONNEW YORKBANGALORE MUNICH TOULOUSE SF BAY AREA WASHINGTON ATLANTA DUBAI TOKYOSEATTLEMOSCOW SEOUL CAIRO MEXICO CITY SINGAPORESAO PAOLOEVERY RING EQUALS 1000KM WASHINGTONSF BAY AREA BANGALORE TOULOUSE NEW YORK CHENGDUATLANTA LONDON MUNICHBOSTONSEATTLE TOKYODUBAI DENSITY243 P/KM2 305 P/KM2 355 P/KM2372 P/KM2656 P/KM2 888 P/KM21053 P/KM2 1096 KM22842 P/KM2 4286 P/KM2 4932 P/KM25847 P/KM2 7665 P/KM2 AREA21,693 KM23,885 KM2232.1 KM2 14,412 KM2 22,681 KM212,390 KM2 808 KM217,405 KM2369.2 KM2 310.4 KM2 1,572 KM2 2,187 KM2709.5 KM2 POPULATION 5.47 M1.19 M 4.05 M 3.93 M 7. 42 M11.01 M0.85 M 19.06 M0. 62 M1.33 M7.75 M13.01 M1.33 MWORLD MAP AND SIZE COMPARISON13 22. 1.9 Chengdu surrounded by a mountainous area. The site to be investigated is located in the south.14 23. 15 24. 1:100 000 N 5,76 km4,21 km3,41 km1,14 km1,22 km 1,12 km 3,13 km5,58 kmBirdsnest Central ParkSite location Dutch CityBeijing New YorkChengdu Delft 16 25. 1.9 Planned area, site comparison and site..17 26. View on the site given by the competition.18 27. 19 28. 1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENTIn an age of ever increasing urbanization with massive migra-tions from the countryside to the city, China is at a crossroads.Existing dispersed urban architectural models can continue tobe recycled to accommodate increased populations, but this atthe same time fortifies problems in society, infrastructure andenvironment.Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to propose an alternativecompact urban architectural model that will take on the specif-ics of Chinese urban development, thereby fostering the spatialquality of ordinary public places. The city of Chengdu is sub-ject for this research. The testing ground is a small strip of landin the south of Chengdu. The final result is a masterplan, withaccording to the competition assignment an obligatory density of100,000 people per 1sqkm and ideas to increase the air quality.The main research question derived from this problem statementis: How to design an alternative compact urban architecturalmodel for Chengdu, that fosters ordinary public places, resultingin a masterplan with a density of 100,000 people per sqkm?20 29. Urban architectural modelAn urban architectural model is understood, as a schematic description ofa city, with statements on all levels of scale, from regional, landscape to thearchitectural scale and design of public space.Public spacePublic space is a broad term and in various cultures differently perceived. Public Space is also oftenIn the theory part, the term will be further discussed. The general defini- misconstrued to mean othertion is: Any area of land or water, which is not located within an enclosed things such as gatheringbuilding, and which is set aside for the use and enjoyment of the public. Itplace, which is an elementis the space, building or use that is equally open and available to all who of the larger concept of socialchoose to use it, and does not denote ownership.space.MasterplanThe masterplan should consist of a general strategy on city scale, an urbandesign for the given site and an elaboration on the architectural scale.1.4 METHODOLOGYFrom the main research question: How to design an alternative compacturban architectural model for Chengdu, that fosters ordinary public places,resulting in a masterplan with a density of 100,000 people per sqkm? Sev-eral sub-research questions and various methods to answer them can bederived from this.The research questions lead to the methods of: 1. What are the major threats and opportunities facing China and in par-ticular Chengdu?Data study (sources: Worldbank, McKinsey, Yearbooks, CIA World Factbook,)Interview with Robert Campbell, director of McKinsey Asia. 2. What are the spatial problems of public space in China?Theory study 3. How is public space spatially perceived in China?Theory study4. What spatial building blocks for the design can be derived from dataand theory research ?5. What is the current urban architectural model of Chengdu?Literature study, policies study, historical analysis21 30. 6. What is the landscape system? Water, biodiversity, vegetation?Literature study + GIS7. What would be an interesting program mix for the site? What wouldbe the best land use strategy? Which building typologies, should be part ofthe masterplan?Typological research, Parametric Urban Design methods (Rhinoceros+Grasshopper+Ecotect)8. What would be the planning guidelines for the masterplan?Policy study + Masterplan case studies9. Which overall framework can be proposed to meet the requirements ofthe competition and the problem statement?Research by designProblem StatementH2 Data research H3 TheoryH3.5 Building blocksH 4 Design H4.4 Zoom inH4.5 Reflection H5 Conclusion Methodology.22 31. Vertical Cities. The com- petition for tallest building in the world is taken seriously in China. Several Chinese cities put itself on the map with a new skyline icon, often designed by Western architects.1.5 RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE1.5.1 Scientific and societal relevanceWhat this research aims to add is a new urban architectural model thatfosters public space quality. However, there are innumerable theorems andresearch about the state of urban China. This makes a humble positionabout the scientific and societal relevance of this thesis wise.The competition of Vertical Cities Asia searches for a integration of den-sity, verticality, domesticity, work, food, infrastructure, nature, ecology,structure and program. However the conventional building metric in thecontemporary Chinese masterplan is rather limited. The research in thisthesis questions the conventional metric. The hypothesis is that with alter-native ways of masterplanning, with respect for the specifics of China andthe environment will most likely mitigate the enormous pressures Chinesesociety is facing.1.5.2EthicsSeveral critics state that because of Western intervention ( 11), Chinesecities are facing problems. Seog-Jeong Lee, director of city planning inSeoul in Atlantis 22.2 Urban Form (2011): Increasingly, Asia seems to bethe place for the experimental high-rise works of western architects whodo not consider the local Asian context. I think that our cities need to dis-cover alternative ways to combine high density with urban quality withoutresorting to verticality. This would be a possible ethical problem arisingthis research and design. Therefore, the thesis relies heavily on statistics andin the theory part an extensive cultural study will be exhibited. 23 32. 1.11 Shanghai CBD competition. Richard Rogers 1994.24 33. 25 34. 26 35. 2URBAN CHINATo avoid biases about Urban China, this chapter researches data aboutthe development of China with specific attention to the city of Chengdu.The data sheets are highlighted with the text. Finally this provides aclear overall picture of the state of demographics, economics, transport,living and environment in Urban China and Chengdu in particular. 27 36. POPULATION (million persons)1POPULATION DENSITY, China 2006 (persons/sqkm) 2URBAN POPULATION (% of total population) 140090 80 1200 70 1000 60 50800 > 900 40 800 - 900600 700 - 800 30 600 - 700 Chengdu 500 - 60040020 400 - 500 300 - 400 10200200 - 300 100 - 2000 50 - 1001970 19751980198519901995 20002005 201000 - 501960 1965 19701975 1980 1985 19901995 2000 2005 2010ChinaUnited States European Union Worldsource: Worldbank China United StatesEuropean Union source: Worldbank source: China-Mike.comPOPULATION annual growth (%)3LIFE EXPECTANCY (years)803Harbin2,5 75 Beijing2 Huhhot70 Taiyuan1,5651 Shanghai XingpingSuzhou0,5Nanchong60ChangshaChengduTaizhou0 19601965 1970 19751980 1985 199019952000 20052010 Cangnan55Shenzhen 1970 19751980 1985 1990 1995200020052010 -0,5Xiamen ChinaUnited States European UnionWorld -1POPULATION source: Worldbank China United StatesEuropean UnionWorld population 2005source: Worldbank population 1990 source: McKinsey Global Institute4POPULATION urban agglomoration, 2009 (million persons)GROWTH size and speed, 1990 - 2005 3AGE population, China 2000 (1.265 million people) Suzhou fastXingpingTaizhouCangnanNanchong HuhhotShenzhen6,9 % 65+ Nanchong Taizhou Xiamen Suzhou Changsha15 - 64 70,1 % (working age) Xiamen TiayuanHarbinChengduChengduBeijing ShanghaiCangnan ChangshaShenzhenHarbin0 - 1422,9 % HuhhotBeijingTiayuanShanghai Xingping slow0 246810 1214 16 18small large1990 2009source: McKinsey Global Institute source: McKinsey Global Institutesource: McKinsey Global InstituteDemography28 37. 5 POPULATION, Chengdu (million persons) POPULATION DENSITY, Chengdu 2008 (persons/sqkm)POPULATION growth, Chengdu (persons) 2500001412 20000010 150000861000004>750050000 5000-75002 2500-500001000-2500 01970197519801985 19901995 2000 20052010 200120022003 2004 200520062007 2008 500-1000 < 500immigration growth natural growth -50000 source: United Nationssource: China Statistical Yearbooksource: China Statistical Yearbook 6 URBAN AREA, Chengdu (sqkm) 400 350 300 250 200 150 10050 01980198519901995200020052010 source: China Statistical Yearbook BUILT AREA growth before 1990 1990 - 2010AGE population, Sichuan province 2000 MIGRATION moving & emigration, Chengdu7MIGRATION reasons per age, Chengdu 2001 (83.3 million people) 35100%90% 3080% 65+ 7,5 % 2570%60% 2050%better social services 1540% more interesting life15 - 6469,9 % (working age)reunite with family 10 30%more experience20%job transfer510% higher payobtain job00%2001 2002 2003200420052006 2007 2008under 24 24-29 30-3940+ 0 - 14 22,6 %source: UNESCAP moving rate / 1000 persons emigration rate / 1000 personssource: China Statistical Yearbooksource: WebsterIn 2010 1.3 billion people are living in China. Since 1960 population has dou-bled, while in the US and the EU the growth was only 140% ( 1). By 2030the urban population will almost double from 572m in 2005 to one billion (2). In 2010 in China the life expectancy is 72 years, 4 years higher than world-wide, but still 6 years lower than the US and the EU and there is also an enor-mous aging process ( 3). After Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, Chengduis the fourth biggest urban agglomoration ( 4). There are about 12 millionpeople living in greater Chengdu ( 5). While the population of Chengdualmost doubled between 1980 and 2010, the urban area became 5 times bigger( 6). By 2013 the loss of arable land will go below the governments minu-mum. The main reason for this growth is immigration from rural areas tothe city. Important reasons for migration to the city are obtain a job, bettersocial services and reunite with family ( 7). 29 38. GDP growth (%)9 12 FDI growth (%) OFFICE CAPITAL VALUE, 2005 - 2008 (growth in %) 1,4Xianavg. 11%2ZhengzhouWuxi ShenyangGuangzhou 1,3 1,5 HangzhouQingdaoBeijing ChengduChongqing 1,21XiamenWuhanFuzhou Shanghai Tianijn 1,1 0,5 Dalian Changsha ShenzhenNanjing0 Suzhou 1 200020012002 2003 200420052006 2007 20082000 200120022003 2004 2005 2006 20072008 0510 1520 25ChengduChinaChengdu China source: China Statistical Yearbook source: China Statistical Yearbook source: Jones Lang LaSalle8 GDP per capita (US$)GDP per sector, China (billion yuan)35.000 5000030.00025.00020.000 4500015.000Harbin10.000 5.000 400000 19801990 20002008primary sector secondary sector tertairy sector 35000Beijingsource: China Statistical YearbookHuhhot 30000Taiyuan 25000IMPORT & EXPORT total, China (billion yuan)ShanghaiXingping3.000 20000 Suzhou 2.500 Nanchong2.000 1132,6 15000 9561.500 Changsha ChengduTaizhou1.0001217,8 1430,7 10000Cangnan 500225,10 249,2 Shenzhen 20002007 20085000exportimport source: China Statistical YearbookXiamen 0 2000 20012002 2003200420052006 200720082009 2010 GDP per capita, 2005GDP per capitaChina USAJapanGermany Francesource: McKinsey Global Institute source: WorldbankIMPORT & EXPORT countries, 2006 IMPORT & EXPORT products, 2006 (US$ million) import exportIC and micro assemblies Clothing Other machinery and componentsIC and micro assembliesAeronautical equipment and componentsSteels Steels Other machinery and components Automobile and componentTextilesAuto control measurement apparatus Other electrical equipment Other electrical equipment Shoes700 600 500400300 200 100 0 0100200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000source: Chengdu Investment Promotion Commission 2005growth 2006 source: Chengdu Investment Promotion Commission Economy 30 39. JOB SECTOR breakdown, Chengdu (% of GDP) 11 PRIMARY SECTOR share, Chengdu 2008 SECONDARY SECTOR share, Chengdu 2008 15 BUSINESS VOLUME Chengdu20003001980250 10%23% 27%electronic information product 200 manufacturing industry 53%37%pharmaceutical industry150 agriculture50% food, beverages and tobacco industry100 lin industry machinery industry (incl. automobile) 50 animal husbandry industrypetrochemical industry1990 2008 0 fish industry1980 1990 20002008 materials metallurgical industry 7% business volumeanimal husbandry and other industriessource: China Statistical Yearbookfishery services 21% 39% 47% 46%source: China Statistical Yearbooksource: China Statistical Yearbook GOOGLE SEARCHES Chengdu, volume index 40%864 primary sector secondary sector tertiary sector2 source: China Statistical Yearbook02004 2006 20082010source: Google searches 10 GDP per sector, Chengdu (billion yuan) GOOGLE SEARCHES Chengdu, countries00,20,4 0,6 0,815.000 Singapore Hong Kong4.000 China3.000 MalaysiaAustralia2.000 Thailand Netherlands1.000 SwitzerlandIndia 0 Finland 1980 1990 2000 2008source: Google searchesprimary sectorsecondary sectortertairy sector source: China Statistical Yearbook GOOGLE SEARCHES Chengdu, languages00,20,4 0,60,8 1 Chinese English DutchIMPORT & EXPORT total, ChengduFinnish(billion yuan) ThaiSwedish 200 GermanFrench 150 Italian Japanese63,39 100source: Google searches 38,035090,726,63 57,13 FOREIGN TOURISTS, Chengdu 08,18 250.0002000 2007 2008export import source: China Statistical Yearbook200.000 150.000 100.000FOREIGN COMPANIES investment, 50.000per branch 20070 2002200420062008 Thailand SingaporeGermany Gr. BritainUSAHong KongElectronics source: China Statistical YearbookMachinery, technology etc.Food15 INCOME BY TOURISTS, Chengdu (million RBM)Paper40000Other 35000source: Chengdu Investment Promotion Commission commercial3000025000industry (1)20000industry (2)15000vertical city Asia site 10000 50000200120022003 20042005 2006 13FOREIGN INVESTMENT companies, 2007 (million US$)16FOREIGN INVESTMENT countries (billion) source: China Statistical YearbookIntel Hutchison 14.000LafargeMarubeni Procter & Gamble12.000EXPATS, Chengdu 2006Ito-YokadoCarrefour (total number: 4537 persons) 10.000United Technology 100% SumitomoU.K. 90% MalaysiaMetro8000PakistanBayer80% FranceAuchan International Paper 70% Nepal 6000Kimberly Clark 60% JapanPepsi 400050% Alcatel Vietnam Sony40% Shell 200030% South KoreaMcDonalds L.M. Ericsson 20% Other companies010%050100150200250300 350 4002001 2002 2003 2004 200520062007 2008 0%United StatesTaiwanSingaporeS. Korea Gr. BritainUSAHong Kongsource: Chengdu Investment Promotion Commissionsource: Chengdu Investment Promotion Commissionsource: Chengdu Investment Promotion CommissionAfter 1978, China focused on market-oriented economic developmentand this has contributed to a more than tenfold increase in gdp since 1978.Still, per capita income is below the world average ( 8). The gdp growth ofChengdu is more fluctuating than the overall growth of China ( 9). As partof the total gdp the secundary and tertiary sector are rising at the expense ofthe primary sector ( 10). Chengdus most important export products are ser-vices, manufacturing and construction and agriculture ( 11). The fdi (foreigndirect investment) growth is in 2008 two times higher ( 12). By far the big-gest investor in Chengdu in 2007 is Intel ( 13). Computer chips are made atfactories like Foxconn. Most of the foreign investments still come from HongKong ( 14). Future international investments are expected. Business volumeis exploding ( 15). In 5 years (2001-2006) the income by tourists in Chengduhas more than doubled ( 16). Chengdu is famous for its pandas and scenery. 31 40. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT connections, 2011 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT weekly number, 2006AIR TRANSPORT annual registered carrier departures 25000Xingping Suzhou 22500 Nanchong Taizhou 20000 Huhhot Tiayuan 17500 AmsterdamChangshaSeoelTokyoKathmandu15000 OsakaHarbin KarachiHong KongChengdu Bangkok 12500 Kuala LumpurShenzhenSingapore Xiamen10000Beijing 5907500Shanghai 7680255075 1005000 source: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airportsource: McKinsey Global Institute2500 01970 197519801985199019952000 2005China United StatesEuropean Union World17 GASOLINE pump price (US$ per liter)source: Worldbank1,61,41,210,80,618 ROAD SPACE per car, 2005 (Chengdu compared to Beijing)0,40,2Chengdu0 1996 1998 2000200220042006 2008 Beijing 188 sqmChengdu 141 sqmsource: McKinsey Global Institute China United States European Union Worldsource: WorldbankHIGHWAYS Pri. highways Sec. highways source: U.S. Department of transportation20 PUBLIC-TRANSPORT use, 2006 (annual uses/person)ENERGY CONSUMPTION ROAD SECTOR (% of total energy consumption) PRINCIPAL RAILWAY STATIONS passengers (1000 persons) avg. 140 annual uses/person45000 25Xingping40000SuzhouTaizhou20 35000 Nanchong30000 Huhhot 15 25000Tiayuan Chengdu20000 Shenzhen 1015000 Harbin Shanghai 10000 Changsha 5 5000 Xiamen 0 Beijing02000 200120022003 20042005 20062007 2008 0 50 100 150 200 250 300350400 1970197519801985 1990 19952000 2005ShanghaiBeijing HarbinChengduShenzhenSuzhouChinaUnited StatesEuropean UnionWorldsource: McKinsey Global Institute source: Worldbank source: China Statistical YearbookTransport32 41. TRANSPORT TYPES by income, Chengdu 2001 (percentage of trips) 19 AVERAGE SPEED city centre, Chengdu (kmph) 25walk 20bikebiking 15bus 10 motorbike5 car02005 20062007 2008 20092010201120122013 0%20 % 40 % 60 %80 % 100 % averageduring rush hourlow income med incomehigh income source: chinadailysource: WebsterNUMBER OF BUSES, Chengdu800021METRO SYSTEM, Chengdu 20117000600050004000300020001000 0 199520022010 line 1 (constructed) line 2 (2015) other lines (planned)source: McKinsey Global Institute source: ...INFRASTRUCTUREhigh speed railwayrailwaylight railway lineexpress waysbus stopsvertical city Asia siteTRANSPORT, Chengdu (million vehicles) DISTANCE FROM DWELLING, Chengdu 2006 (minutes) 3,525 320 2,5 215 1,510 1 5 0,5 0 0 2001 20022003200420052006 2007 2008low incomemiddle incomehigh income motorcyclesprivate carselectric bicyclestrucks to CBDto nearest shopping mall to nearest park to nearest food market source: China Statistical Yearbooksource: WebsterThe price per litre of gasoline is in China more rising compared to thewestern world ( 17). By 2030 the current subway system need to expandeight times.The road space per car in Chengdu is extremely low ( 18).Only 141 sqm per car, while in Beijing this is 188 sqm per car. The averagespeed in the city centre of Chengdu is already under biking-speed ( 19). Itis expected that in 2015 it will be near 0 kmph. Therefore Chengdu is inChina the most inefficient city measured by working-living transportation.Car ownership of Chengdu ranks 3rd in China. There are 1200 new carsper day extra, with 2.4 million already on the road. The use of public trans-port in Chengdu is lower than average in China ( 20). A metro system serv-ing the city is under construction. The first 2 lines are already finished ( 21). 33 42. INCOME & EXPENDITURE per capita (yuan)22 PRIMARY SCHOOL pupils per teacher, 2008 18.00016.000 Chengdu disposable incomeWorld 24 urban Chengdu total expenditure14.000 China disposable income China expenditure12.00010.000China 18 Chengdu disposable income 8.000 Chengdu total expenditure rural China disposable income 6.000 China expenditureEuropean Union15 4.000 2.0000 United States141990 1995 2000 20052008source: China Statistical Yearbooksource: Worldbank23HEALTH EXPENDITURE, 2007 (% of GDP) 25 EMPLOYMENT, 2008 (% of population 15+) HarbinUnited States 15,7% European Union 9,3% China 4,3% source: WorldbankChina 71% United States 59% European Union 50%source: WorldbankBeijingTaiyuanIMMUNIZATION DPT (% of children ages 12-23 months)26 FEMALE LABOR participation rate (% of female 15+)10075SuzhouNanchong 90Shanghai 8070ChengduChangshaTaizhou 70 65 60 50Xiamen 60 40 Shenzhen 30 55 20UNEMPLOYMENT 10 registrated unemployment50 2007 (% of population 15+) 0 198019851990 1995 200020052010 45China United StatesEuropean UnionWorld2000 2001 2002 2003200420052006 20072008 source: Worldbank ChinaUnited States European UnionWorldsource: Worldbank24 NUTRITION SUPPLY per capita (Kcal per person per day) INFLATION consumer prices (annual %) 4500 25 400020 350015 3000 250010 20005 15000 1000 0 1960 196519701975 1980 198519901995 2000 20051990 199520002005 2010China United StatesWorld-5 China United States source: Worldbank source: Worldbank Living 34 43. 29 EXPENDITURE per capita, Chengdu 2008DURABLE CONSUMER GOODS per 100 households, Chengdu 200827HOUSEHOLD SIZE, Chengdu2005 100%1801604,514090%1201004 8080% 60 40 3,5 2070%0 3air conditioners washing machine refrigeratorshower color tvhome computermobile phone general phone family carmotorcycle60%2,5 1990 1995 2000 20052008urban rural source: China Statistical Yearbook China Average Household Size (URBAN)50% Average Household Size (URBAN) China Average Household Size (RURAL) Average Household Size (RURAL40%source: China Statistical Yearbook30%20%10% 0% urbanrural Rest (clothes, tax, living) Habitat Live Recreation, education and cultural services Health Care Household equipment and servicesFood Products source: WebsterResidentialMosqueBuddhist templeChristian churchTaoist templeMuseumSport facilityHigh end hotelTheaterUniversityvertical citie Asia site28 FOOD CONSUMPTION per capita, Chengdu 2008 (kg)FOOD CONSUMPTION perFOOD CONSUMPTION expenditure per capita (yuan) capita, Chengdu 2008 (Kcal)800 20040 18070035 160600 14030500 12025400 100208030015602001040 510020000 cereals fats and oils vegetablespig meat poultry productseggs class white wine fresh fruitsdairy products cerealsfats and oils vegetables pig meatpoultry products eggs classwhite wine fresh fruits dairy productsurbanrural urbanrural 2007 2008 source: China Statistical Yearbook source: China Statistical Yearbook source: China Statistical YearbookThe income and expenditure rates have tripled the last 10 years ( 22). Thehealth expenditure as a part of the gdp in China is 4%. This is less than inthe US (15%) and the EU (9%) ( 23). From 1990 an average Chinese personis eating more per day than an average person worldwide. But with around3000 kcal, this is still 700 kcal less than the average in the US ( 24). By2030 meat consumption will double in China. In 2008 the employment ofChina is 12% higher than in the US and 21% higher than in the EU ( 25).The female labour participation in China is high ( 26). About 70% of allthe working females are of the age of 15+. But this number is decreasing.The household size is decreasing. An urban household in Chengdu had anaverage of 3.5 persons in 1990 and an average of 2.7 in 2008 ( 27). The dailydiet of an urban person in Chengdu is more varied ( 28), but spend less on food ( 29).35 44. AIR QUALITY 2009 34 33AIR QUALITY 2009 Chengdu600120 100500 80 New York Chinese average60400 40203000200 LondonAmsterdam1000 Tokyo PhCl-NO3 SO24 NH4 K+ Na+ Ca2+ Mg2 Particulate matter (PM10) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)ChengduChongqing ShanghaiBeijing Istanbul MexicoTokyoLhasasource: WHO source: WHO31 FOREST area (% of land area) 36FRESHWATER withdrawal, 2000407% 26 %3567 % China30 total: 549,76 cu km / yearper capita: 415 cu m / year2513 %20 Chengdu41 %15 46 %United Statestotal: 477 cu km / year per capita: 1600 cu m / year10 ACID RAIN 2008 1990 19952000 2005PH > 5,6China United StatesEuropean UnionWorldPH 5,0 - 5,6 domestic industryagricultural source: WorldbankPH 4,5 - 5,0source: CIA factbookPH < 4,532 AGRICULTURAL land (% of land area)ARABLE land (% of land area) 30 CO2 emmisions (metric tons per capita)25 356560 302055 251550 2045 151040 1035553000 1960 1965 1970 197519801985 19901995 2000 20052519601965 1970 197519801985 19901995 2000 2005 19601965 1970 1975 198019851990 199520002005ChinaUnited StatesEuropean Union World China United StatesEuropean UnionWorld source: WorldbankChina United StatesEuropean UnionWorldsource: Worldbanksource: Worldbank Environment 36 45. MAJOR POLLUTANTS load ratio,35 AIR QUALITY per season, Chengdu 2009inner city Chengdu 2009 37 ACID RAIN, Chengdu 200937AIR POLLUTION, Chengdu 2009 9 winter 140 8 120 7 10028% 806 46% 60 5 40 204 26%autumn 0 spring 3 2006 2007200820092010acid rain frequencyPMIO SO2NO2 PH of precipitationnormal PHsource: China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Planning and Design Institute, Chengdu source: China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Planningand Design Institute, Chengdu summer PMIO NO2SO2measured measuredmeasuredWHO guideline NO2 WHO guideline SO2 WHO guideline source: Chengdu Environmental Protection Bureau, WHO38 WATER QUALITY Mintuo River403530 source: China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Planning and Design Institute, Chengdu25201510 5 0 best III III IV Vworse VI20082009 source: Chengdu Environmental Protection Bureau NOISE POLLUTION, Chengdu 2009ANNUAL WATER USE, Chengdu 2001(total 335 million m3) residential 36% nondomestic 46% nonrevenue 18% source: Water in Asian cities. Asian Development BankWATER CONSUMPTION by activityactivities litres usedtoilet flushes 10 - 15shower (per minute) 15 - 35bath (full tub)150laundry machine (full load)160 - 220dishwasher 25 - 55 source: China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Planning and Design Institute, Chengdudishwashing by hand (tap running)110shaving (tap running)20 - 30brushing teeth (tap running) 10 - 30 WATER Chengdusource: Water in Asian cities. Asian Development Bank built areawatervertical city Asia site WATER CONSUMPTION volume, 2001 (million cubic meters per day) WATER PRODUCTION volume, 2001 (million cubic meters per day) WATER CONSUMPTION per capita, 2001 (liters per day) Vientiane Phnom Penh Kathmandu Phnom PenhVientianeJakarta KathmanduKathmanduPhnom Penh Ulaanbaatar UlaanbaatarDelhiColomboColomboVientianeKuala Lumpur Kuala LumpurDhaka Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh Colombo Jakarta Chengdu ManilaDhakaDhaka Kuala LumpurChengduJakartaChengduOsaka Osaka Ho Chi Minh Delhi Karachi Hong Kong Karachi Tashkent KarachiManilaHong Kong SeoulTashkentDelhi ShanghaiHong Kong SeoulOsaka Seoul Manila Ulaanbaatar ShanghaiShanghaiTashkent 012 34 50 1 23 4 5 0 50 100150200250300 350domestic nondomestic surface water underground watersource: Water in Asian cities. Asian Development Bank source: Water in Asian cities. Asian Development Bank source: Water in Asian cities. Asian Development Bank From 2006 the co2 emission per capita in China is higher than average worldwide, but still lower than in the Western countries ( 30). In China there is a strong rise of forest area ( 31). About 10% from 1990 to 2008. Worldwide this is getting lower (-2% from 1990 to 2008). The agricultural land in China was in 1990 only 37% of the total land area, in 2008 this is more than 60% ( 32). Which means that nature is being transformed to agriculture to still feed to growing population. Compared to the Chinese average the number of particulate matter (pm10), which causes bad air qual- ity, of Chengdu is good ( 33), but compared to other world cities it is bad ( 34). Compared to who standards it is 2.5 times worse ( 35). Almost one third of China is hit by acid rain ( 36), leading to the worlds most polluted cities ( 37) and a polluted river in Chengdu ( 38).37 46. energywater consumption(liter/day/capita)urban area (sqkm)migrantswaste per capitaincome & expenditure(yuan)food consumption(kcal/day/capita)populationprivate carswater availability(liter/day/capita)biodiversitycars average speed(km/h)1990 1995 2000 20052010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2030 2035 2040 2045 39. China at the crossroads.38 47. CrossroadsLearning from the data, it can be argued that the world is heading intotwo directions; the Western world can be characterized as a world of stag-nation with a high gdp level but stagnation in population growth. Yet theEastern world, South America and Africa are still growing in both gdplevel and population. One can state that China is exploding and Europeand the US are imploding.However China is facing economic, demographic, environmental, socialand spatial challenges. Oil and wheat prices will rise. Water availabilityis dropping. Waste will increase. Rainfall will rise. Urbanization eats upits surrounding landscape. Biodiversity is dropping. The amount of carsis exploding. Energy demand will triple. There is an aging population.Income and expenditure are rising, therefore making the availability ofcheap labor, the economic backbone of China, decrease. In short, UrbanChina is at the crossroads ( 39). In order to attempt to resolve the chal-lenges, which path will China take? A choice is needed to counter thetrends.It is the hypothesis of this thesis, that the underlying framework of thecity, its streets and public space is the basis for development, because theseare a lasting foundation for years. By improving public space, the chal-lenges facing China might be mitigated. Therefore it is crucial to under-stand space, the Chinese perception of it and how to structure it. The nextchapter deals with that. 39 48. 40 49. 3THEORYThe data chapter showed that China is at the crossroads. The hypothe-sis of this thesis is that by improving the spatial quality of public spaces,the challenges facing China will be mitigated. But despite the increasedattention given to spatial design of public space in China, the spatialquality of public space, both in the existing city as in new extensions,has not been improved, or even is deteriorated. It leads more and moreto an alienated relationship with the city.These spaces, meaningful for everyday life, are predominantly smallplaces ( 7 mln population > 10 mln * including agglomerationsDongguang and Foshan 4.2 Most western big city. Urban China is devloping on 1/3 of the total land mass. 4.3. Basin the size of Germany in which Chengdu is located.84 93. Panda Golden Monkey Musk deer Red PandaTakinSerowNaemorhedus goral Cuculus canor Cornus Tsuga dumosa (D.Acer davidiiBamboo Betula utilis D. Don controversa HemslDon) Eichler Ailurus fulgensAilurus fulge 4.5 Unique biodiversity around Chengdu.UniqueDuring the early days, Chengdu was, just like other Chinese cities, a walledcity. It was a fairly typical inland city ( 4.2)., with a long historical and cul-tural tradition. A local intellectual wrote of its special position: Sichuanoverlooks China, and Chengdu is the center of Sichuan, with fertile lands,rich natural resources, high population density, well-developed productionof silk, many historical sites, and beautiful scenery (Wang, 2003, p. 35).Until around 1900 the West had little impact on Chengdu; as an Englishtraveler declared, It is a city which owes absolutely nothing to Europeaninfluence (Bird, 1899, p.350). Compared to the cities of coastal, northern,and even central China like Shanghai and Beijing, Chengdu maintained amuch more traditional and relaxing culture and lifestyle, with tea houses,areas to play mahjong and places to eat traditional chicken feet.Climate, flora and faunaThe average daytime is in July and August around 30 C, with afternoontemperatures sometimes reaching 33 C (next page for a detailed graphicalanalysis 4.4). The average lowest temperatures are in January are around2.8 C, with sometimes dropping below freezing. Rainfall is common year-round but with peaks in July and August. Chengdu also has one of thelowest sunshine totals in China (less sunshine annually than London), andmost days are cloudy and overcast even if without rain. This is especiallyso in the winter months, when it is typically interminably grey and dreary.Spring (March-April) tends to be sunnier and warmer than autumn (Octo-ber-November). Due to the mild climate there is no special need in buildingconstruction, to resist extreme situations. Also there is no direct sunlightand almost no wind. This has the benefit that there is light in narrow situa-tions just to the ground floor, which allows to build dense. The inexistenceof wind forms a problem for fresh air circulation.The Sichuan basin is also known for its unique biodiversity, which today 80 % of Chinese vegetationcontains 80% of the Chinese vegetation being represented and of all endan- and 1/5 of all endangered floragered flora and fauna, like the Giant Panda (Wu, Yu, & Yang, 2009) ( 4.5). and fauna is represented in theBut this fairly safe and hot haven changed the last decade radically under area of Chengdu.influence of forces from outside. 85 94. C50 40 30201004 48 12 81612 201624 28 2032 2436Hr 40 44 48 52Wk Average temperature in Chengdu Optimal building volume orientation 4.4. Detailed graphical climate research with Ecotect.86 95. km/h%50100 408030 602040 10 200 04 4 4848 812 8 12 16 1216 12 20 20 16 162424 20 28 20 28322432 24 36 36 Hr Hr4040 44 444848 52 52WkWkAverage Wind Speed (km/h) Relative Humidity (%) low humidity in morning windspeeds 1.3 m/sCC 505040403030 2020 1010 0 044448 8 128 12816 1216 12 20 16 20 1624 24 282028 203224 32 24 3636 HrHr40 40 444448 48 5252Wk WkMaximum Temperature (C) Minimum Temperature (C) average daytime july 30 -33 average per year 15-16W/m W/m10001000 800 800 600 600400 400200200 0 044448 8 128 12816 1216 12 20 16 20 1624 24 282028 203224 32 24 3636 HrHr40 40 444448 48 5252Wk WkDirect Solar Radiation (W/m)Diffuse Solar Radiation (W/m) low sunshine total (less than London) % mm10 100 9807606 4 403 201 0 044448 8 128 12816 1216 12 20 16 20 1624 24 282028 203224 32 24 3636 HrHr40 40 444448 48 5252Wk WkAverage Cloud Cover (%)Average Daily Rainfall (mm) cloudy year-round 87 96. Sichuan rural area around Chengdu.88 97. 89 98. 0.4m 1500 0.6m 1940 199020008.0m9.0m 90 99. 201012.2mGrowth path projected on the soils. Chengdustarted as a stop on the Great Silk Road where therivers crossed. The growth happend mostly on thegrey warp soil which was less fertile than the sur-rounding soils. 91 100. ExplosionAfter the first Five Year Plan in 1953 the first government planned andfunded developments started. From 1980 onwards the city exploded afterthe economic reforms introduced by Deng. This process was strengthenedby the Go West policy in the nineties. Western China became the focus ofdevelopment efforts in China. The policy was initiated in 1999 to compen-sate for an earlier emphasis on coastal development. During the periodfrom 1990 till today the urban land almost tripled (2009) ( 4.6), eating upvaluable and rich landscape. The population grew from 8 million in 1990 to12.2 million today (Press, 2009). This growth contains mainly manufactur-ing, businesses and producer services, airport developments and residentialzones ( 4.7 4.8 4.9). Also, in recent years Chengdu showed an enormousgrowth rate of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of 50% each year (Lan andYin, 2009) far more than the Chinese average ( 4.10). This FDI even fur-ther accelerates urban growth and generates far more growth than earlierforms of industrialization ( 4.11). As a result the city almost doubled inthe last 5 years. Since Chengdu attracts more and more FDI, inevitable theurban sprawl will continue. 400 350 300 X 1,5 250 200 150 10050 economic reformindustrialization, export,Global,manufacturing FDI 019801985 19901995 2000 2005 2010 4.10 Chengdu: 5 times more FDI than 4.11 FDI generates more urban km2 thanChinese average. earlier forms of industrialization.92 101. BUILT AREA growth before 1990 1990 - 20101990 - 2010 X 34.6 Recent explosion in growth. 18.000300 16.000Chengdu disposable income IMPORT & EXPORT total, Chengdu (billion yuan)urban Chengdu total expenditure250 14.000China disposable income China expenditure20012.000 200 10.000150Chengdu disposable income8.000Chengdu total expenditure 150rural China disposable income63,39100 6.000China expenditure 1004.000 38,03 502.000 50 90,72 6,63 57,13 000 1980199020002008 19901995 2000 2005 2008source: China Statistical Yearbook8,18 2000 2007 2008business volume exportimportsource: China Statistical Yearbook source: China Statistical YearbookX 15 X 10X 304.7 Business volume growth. 4.8 Residential growth.4.9 Industry growth.93 102. TollHowever this enormous growth has its toll. Especially the increase in airpollution ( 4.12), the loss of valuable nature and arable land and the publicspace and collective typologies being under pressure. When comparingthe air quality measurements of Chengdu (Chengdu Statistical Yearbook,2007) with the standards given by the World Health Organization (Krzy-zanowski and Cohen, 2008), it can be seen that the main particles that areresponsible for bad air quality (SO2, NO2, PM10) are found three timesmore than the WHO guidelines ( 4.13). It is not as bad as the Chinese aver-age and big cities like Beijing and Shenzhen, but still when comparing toother world cities, Chengdu is far behind. The bad air quality becomes evenmore visible since Chengdu is located in a large basin, and is enclosed bymountains. The city is therefore known for the always present grey skies.The haze is pervasive and a popular saying is if a dog sees the sun, he willbark at the intruder(Block, 2008, par. 1) ( 4.14). Thus the cities ambition isto increase the air quality and its vision is to become a world-class gardencity, that is environmentally sustainable, surrounded by beautiful ruralscenery and enhanced by modern features(Qing and Guo-jie, 2007, p. 123).So how to achieve this?4.1.2 DoomsdayIf we would project the estimated population growth in the same space-consuming manner as the last decade, the world-class garden city wouldbe totally infeasible. We would need to lay out a square of 20 by 20 km(without even taking into account the fact that the average floor space useper person now is 26 m2 and will probably increase drastically the comingyears). Almost a second city need to be built ( 4.15). According to the mas-terplan of Chengdu the fingers in the fingermodel will be extended andnew hubs will be layed out outside the city. But these fingers will grow outof proportion (now already 25 km between the outer edges and the CBD),leading to urban sprawl and traffic congestion ( 4.16). The new airportbetween Chongqing and Chengdu will even accelerate this process. Pre-94 103. 4.12 Air pollution projected on map. winter 140 120 10080604020 autumn0springsummerPMIO NO2 SO2 measuredmeasuredmeasured WHO guidelineNO2 WHO guideline SO2 WHO guideline source: Chengdu Environmental Protection Bureau, WHO4.13 Air comparison with WHO guidelines. 95 104. Chengdu 4.14 Sichuan basin under permanent haze.96 105. 97 106. cious land will be eaten ( 4.17). Old typologies focused on Chinese family live and the community is being replaced with privatized islands far outside the centre . These big compounds are mainly accessible by car. Thus, more ring-roads will be built and inhabitants become more dependent on cars, resulting in traffic jams and increase in air pollutants. The cities develop- ment will gradually slow down, become more congested and will decrease in livability and efficiency. Research suggests that Chengdu is already the most inefficient city in China measured by the time it takes for people to travel to work (Sankhe et al., 2011). The average speed by car in Chengdu within the city centre will soon be lower than just walking ( 4.18). The finger model is no longer sustainable ( 4.19). We have to look for a new urban architectural model that cater to a greater population without com- promising the quality of life. 201020302050 12.216.720.32050 27X27 KM 2030 20X20 KM?4.15 Growth direction. 98 107. 400AVERAGE SPEED city centre, Chengdu (kmph)350 253002025015biking2001015051000 50economic reformindustrialization, export,Global, 2005 20062007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 manufacturing FDIaverageduring rush hour0 19801985 1990 19952000 2005 20104.16 Expected growth in urban km2.4.18 Average speed city centre, Chengdu (kmph).4.19 Doomsday.99 108. 2-5-20001-5-2003 4.17 Gradually eating up farming land.100 109. 26-7-20064-8-2009101 110. 4.2 CONCEPT4.2.1 The WallWhat if we stop the urban sprawl by densifying the current city edge? Bytaking radically the existing city form as a starting point. The proposal is anew dense urban zone around the city that will tackle urban sprawl. Thisnew zone is called the Wall ( 4.20). The Wall encloses the space of the cityand makes the transition between landscape and city manifest. In the Walldwellings, local and global companies, industry, parking, community ser-vices, public transport and all other sorts of program can be carved in. Bigopenings and vistas make sure the Wall feels porous and open.102 111. 156 KM24.20 Proposal: The Wall. 103 112. By proposing a strong counterpoint at the city edge, the area in between theCBD and the new urban Wall will gain value. The suburbs which are todayon the edges will be upgraded to green lungs in the middle of the city. Linestowards the wall will be upgraded. The projected growth of the region is10 million more inhabitants in 2025. If we propose to make the Wall 500meters wide, drape it around the cities edge, the area that can be build is 156sqkm ( 4.21). This is equivalent to the area of two and a half Manhattans.If we house the maximum of 100.000 people per sqkm, almost 16 millionpeople could potentially move into the new Wall ( 4.22).4.2.2FrameworkThe Wall can not only give the opportunity to further densify the city,accommodate the projected population growth, but it can also function as aframework for applying ideas in a larger context. The Wall will not be dealtwith as separate masterplans or buildings with air purifiers, air condition-ers or other building techniques, but is more a series of parallel strategiesthat truly can have the potential to tackle bad air quality. According to theEnvironmental Protection Agency of Chengdu (2009), the main contribu-tors to bad air quality today are transport and industry (including the coalindustry) (Streets and Waldhoff, 2000) ( 4.23). Research (2009) shows thatChina could bring its cities to a Level III air quality standard (defined asChinas safety level) through a combination of transport and industrystrategies including increased density, expanded public-transit provision,the conversion of public fleets to clean technology, the implementation andenforcement of industry emissions standards, and congestion measures suchas restricting vehicle ownership ( 4.24). A case study by McKinsey of Shen-zhen shows this can cut nitrogen oxide concentrations dramatically by 90percent (2008). The Wall accepts this as the basis of its new planning system,in order to decrease the air pollution radically. The Wall can integrallytackle the two polluters of transport and industry at its source; it will cutemissions and capture before it blows freely into the air.4.2.3 Increasing air qualityTransportationThe first air polluter that the Wall addresses is transportation. Air pollutantsfrom transport include nitrogen oxides, particles, carbon monoxide and hydro-carbons. All have a damaging impact on the health of people, animals and veg-etation locally. The private car is the main contributor to this. Cars have a majorimpact on the environment through their construction, use and eventual disposal.It is estimated that of the CO2 emissions produced over a cars lifespan 10% comefrom its manufacture and 5% from its disposal, with the remaining 85% comingfrom fuel use and servicing operations (Guan, 2008; Woetzel et al., 2008).104 113. 156 KM2 4.21 Unroll the Wall.4003503002502002010 20302050 POTENTIAL THE WALL150 12.2 16.720.3 27.5100 50economic reformindustrialization, export,Global, manufacturing FDI0 19801985 1990 19952000 2005 2010 4.22 Keeping Urban land en potential accomodation.OTHER2.89 AGRICULTURE COMMERCIAL AND- 40% RESIDENTIAL HEATINGCONSUMER ANDCOMMERCIAL PRODUCTS -90%52% - 50%27% 0.29 TRANSPORT Base ExpandedTightenedTarget (LevelINDUSTRY forecast public transit, emissionsIII standard)density, fleet industry SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, 20074.23 Main air pollutors. 4.24 Decreasing bad air quality. 105 114. In Chengdu, 1200 new driver licences are issued each day. It is now already the third biggest city, after Shanghai and Beijing, of private car ownership in the country (Li et al., 2010). In addition to these emissions of carbon diox- ide and other air pollutants, the vehicle and related industries (e.g. fuels) consume large amounts of raw materials, and produce significant quantities of waste. Chengdu has a large automobile manufacturing industry, with firms like Volvo, BMW, Mercedez-Benz and Toyoto. When analyzing the cities transport system, it can be seen that the outskirts of the city are not well connected by public transport, making people dependent on car use. Congestion is therefore increasing ( 4.25). The millions of new migrants, who most of them do not have a private car yet, will accelerate this process.2.89 Public transport system as backbone- 40% So a radical choice in public-transit provision will be inevitable for the citys -90% future. By connecting the existing metro system ( 4.27) with the Wall, an - 50% expanded public-transit will be provided, thus decrease dependency on the 0.29 car. The existing metro system and the Wall will be connected with a local-Base ExpandedTightened Target (Levelforecast public transit, emissions density, fleet industry III standard) ised feeder system ( 4.28). This is a rapid hop-on hop-off system, similar to the Light-Rail-Transit (LRT) in Singapore, which feeds the Wall and existing metro network ( 4.29). The system is closer to an automated people mover system such as those found in many airports around the world than a traditional light rail system. All the lines are fully automated and elevated, and run on viaducts in order to save scarce land space. Train arrival and departure times are almost guaranteed this way. Walking distances are no longer than 10 minutes. This means a 500 metre radius. It is also cleaner as the trains are electrically powered, and therefore lessens the effects of air pollution. In addition to that Wall Trains will run all along the Wall, pro- viding faster travel times from one part of the Wall the another ( 4.30). This new transport system will be the backbone of the Wall. It provides people a fast and reliable way of transport. When comparing travel times with the car the effect is enormous. It can cut travel time from one part of the city to another by half ( 4.31). DENSITYLOCALISEDGREENFEEDER SYSTEM HOUSES URBANGROWING CITY SPRAWL RELIES ON CAR USE?O2 CO2 EXISTING UNDERGROUNDCARBON EXISTINGMETRO SYSTEMPARKING CAPTURE METRO SYSTEM4.26 The Wall - clustered transport system. 106 115. 4.27 Existing metro system.4.29 Localized feeder systems. 4.28 Connecting with localized feeder systems. Route 50km @ 80km/h = 0h38min Transition 2x = 0h10min 18 stops @ 1min = 0h18min 1h11min CDB 25km @ 15km/h = 1h40min Outskirts 45km @ 80km/h = 0h35min 2h15min4.31 Travel time comparison. 4.30 Wall train. 107 116. 2.89 Clustered system of industries- 40% The second main polluter is industry. Today industries are randomly added -90% on free strips of land and set up as separate systems. Chengdu has had an - 50% enormous growth of manufacturing and construction industries, including 0.29Base ExpandedTightened Target (Level giant plants of Foxconn, Siemens and General Electric. On Google Earthforecast public transit, emissions III standard) density, fleet industry these industries are easily recognizable by the blue roofs scattered around the city ( 4.32). By tightening the separate emission-standards the indus- try already become cleaner, but the Wall can even further increase this. By clustering industry in the Wall the total system becomes more sustainable (Singh and Evans, 2009) ( 4.33). Sharing energy, waste, heat and CO2 cap- ture systems will have a large influence, compared to only tightening the standards per factory separately. By providing a total cycle system, waste of one factory can be used by another factory. During the transition period between fossil and clean energy a CO2 capture system can work. Dwellings or offices can also benefit from clustering industry. For example, dwellings need warm water for showering and other personal use and factories can provide warm water as a remainder of the cooling of machines. Because distances in the Wall are not too big, heat can easily be transported without loss of energy. So, next to the new transport backbone, one dense clustered system of industries in the Wall will be the second contributor to improve air quality. This results in a theoretical generic model of the Wall ( 4.34 4.35).INDUSTRYDWELLINGS EXISTING GREENINDUSTRYDWELLINGSINDUSTRY HOUSES ABCD O2WASTE AB E COLDCO2 HEATCO2F C DG 4.33 The Wall - clustered industries system. 108 117. 4.32 Satellite images from various industries in Chengdu. 4.34 The Wall - integral system of industries and transportwill greatly benifit air quality.reuse wasterecylce4.34 The Wall - generic model of integral system. 109 118. 4.2.4Generic becomes specificThis generic model of the Wall will have different spatial outcomes oneach specific location. It reacts on the local soil, vegetation and program inthe city. Sometimes the shape of the Wall is a clear line, sometimes it splitsinto two lines. At other parts it is a dotted or a gradient line. At interestingplaces it makes a loop or embraces special places ( 4.36). The spatial appear-ance of the Wall in Chengdu can be divided into three parts ( 4.37). In thenorthern part of the city the main soil type is grey warp soil with forest asthe main identity carrier ( 4.38). In the south west the Mintuo river givespossibilities to shape the Wall radically and merge it with drinking waterretrieval, storage and the existing dam ( 4.39). The site of the competition,in the south east of the city, is shaped by the paddy fields and the TianfuHigh Tech Park. The landscape structure consists of a hilly pattern withrice fields and small ribbon villages on the higher parts. The high tech parkis build up with top global technology firms. Shape and program of theWall reacts on this. 4.36 Different forms of the Wall.110 119. 4.37 The wall reacts on soil types and the city. 111 120. 4.38 Forest Wall in the north.112 121. 4.39 Water Wall in the south-west, integrated with dam. 113 122. ProgramThe high tech zone can be extended to our site. It will be the end of the hightech zone ( 4.40). The site can coordinate between government agencies,private companies and academic institutions to build up Chengdus role inthe high tech market. Furthermore by adding local communal program,like a market hall, opera, restaurants, wellness, and shared facilities forbusinesses like, small start-up support, education, a convention centre andexhibition hall the global and local will be connected ( 4.41). In that wayinstitutionally controlled, developer-driven (top-down) and small businessand local communal facilities, will merge in this part of the Wall and makesit specific.residential 50%education and research 14%office and retail 18%factories and workshops 3%leisure 15%100.000 people50% residential FAR 5,3(100.000 x 26,90) x 2 = 5.380.000m2globallocal 4.41 Program with FAR of 5,3.114 123. DOM. AIRPORTOPEN AIRPOOL TIANFU HIGH TECH PARK SUNDAY WALKGATE GOLFCOURTTEAHOUSEGATE INT. AIRPORT UPPER-CLASS HOTELS4.40 Specific program on the site given by the competition.115 124. 4.3 FRAMEWORK4.3.1 Building the wallThe competition requires to investigate 100,000 people for 1 sqkm. Accord-ing to Chinese planning documents one person needs 26,90 sqm of floorspace. The residential component should make up to 50% of the total floorspace. This means a floor area ratio of 5,3. ( 4.41 p. 114). If we add ourdesired program to this and would build one big form we need to build a250x250x260 meters cube. Our first step consists of laying out the genericWall. This means an urban zone of maximum 1000 meters wide (a radius of500 metres from the metro station) with the public transport as a backbone.( 4.42). The 500 meters radius width is derived from research of publictransport engineer White (2008) stating that this is a desirable 10 minutewalking distance to the nearest station.GridThe second step is to come up with a grid that can be flexible as well as spe-cific to the Asian context. The grids of Barcelona, Paris ( 4.43), Tokyo andNew York are interesting, but are yet too sparse or too generic. Westerngrids like the famous Manhattan grid of New York ( 4.44) are based onwestern values. That means that values derived trough centuries value ver-ticality greatly. In the theory chapter (3) of this thesis it is stated that Chinastraditional principles value horizontality more (Wang, 2008). Starting withConfuciun values of the collective, the architecture responds to this morein forms that emphasize enclosure. The domesticity of a Chinese family ismore build up as a micro cosmos of Chinese private life, with walls serv-ing to enclose, protect and define the dwelling. This means buildings donot have to be necessarily vertical and high towards the sky, but are ratherfocused on the collective and can grow accordingly. Flexible grid plots areneeded.The inspiration for a flexible grid that will take on the specifics of Chinasurban development comes from the possibility to click different collectivetypologies together ( 4.45),. Different block sizes are possible with a basicblock size of 30x80 meters ( 4.46), allowing to build higher, but alwaysdemand for collective places. Different studies showed that with this gridgrain it is possible to realize the desired FAR of 5.3.116 125. 4.42 Public transport as backbone. 4.43 Paris grid FAR 3.5.4.44 Manhattan grid. FAR 8. 4.46 30x80 grid.117 126. 4.45 New collective typologies based on 30x80 grid. Inspired by traditional typologies.118 127. 4.46 30 X 80 Grid. 119 128. 4.46a. 30 X80 Grid.120 129. 121 130. ProgramBecause the Wall asks to build 3km2 of the total site, it is necessary to spreadout 3 cubes of 250x250x260. The first option is to place the public servicesand offices in the middle of the Wall, close to the public transport andthe residential on the edges. Everybody is living on the edge, but the cen-tral strip with offices and public services will probably not be used 24/7.The second option to lay out the program is to cluster it in zones, but thisstrengthens the separation of living and working. The third option is morefeasible to mix the functions ( 4.47). With an emphasis of living at the edgeand offices and commercial zones near the metro station.DensityThe second question is where to densify. Again there are several options.A higher density in the middle strip will block the views and have no focuspoint. On the other hand the densest part is close to public transport. Bydensifying in clusters, the Wall will feel more porous allowing openings tothe landscape. The preferably option will be a combination. Clusters nearfocus points like the metro and less dense parts at edges ( 4.48). These firststeps are to set up the basic lay-out of the site.4.3.2 Integrating the wallNow the Wall will react on the specifics of the site and the landscape. Thefirst intervention will be connecting with the planned metro system ( 4.48).A big ring of a dense urban district, called the WBD (Wall Business Dis-trict) will follow. Since there are planned important places like governmen-tal buildings, parks and business in the masterplan next to the site, big piers willconnect these to the landscape ( 4.49). Like duck tape the Wall will be stitchedinto its context, breaking the linearity of the Wall. The piers embrace the land-scape into the site.Secondly all this will be connected by a big spine trough the Wall ( 4.50).This spine is the main public space in the Wall. The public transport, shops(IKEA), offices, industry (Foxconn), governmental buildings and leisure(Sichuan opera) are all placed next to or under the spine. The spine willform a route architecturale with different densities, vistas and program. Thefinal form of the Wall itself is shaped by the landscape and the city ( 4.51).Lower, wet parts in the north and south carve out big ponds in the Wall.The highest part of the mountain will cut a hole in the WBD, providing acentral park. And the spine will follow the topography of the paddy fields.122 131. 4.47 3 cubes of 250x250x260 spread out.4.48. Different densities and ring around metrostation.4.49 Connecting places.4.50 Central spine.4.51 Final masterplan reacting on landscape and existing city structure.123 132. 4.51 Final masterplan.124 133. 125 134. Edge of the Wall.126 135. 127 136. Model of final masterplan.128 137. 129 138. APPLE DELL FOXCONN siemensM IKEA starbucksvolvoSUZUKI Program on the spine. Program of the site.FAR 7.0 FAR 2.7FAR 3.7FAR 2.9FAR 9.1FAR 2.3FAR 3.5 Densities of the site.130 139. 131 140. 213654 Details.132 141. 1133 142. 2134 143. 3135 144. 136 145. 137 146. 4138 147. 5139 148. 6 Biggest parts of the Wall.140 149. 4.4 ZOOM IN: THE SPONGEThe Wall itself forms not only a way to accomodate future residents, butalso encloses the existing space of the city. One part of the Wall will beworked out in detail in this chapter. This part is called the Sponge. Thetheory part of this thesis recommended to form places by enclosing spaces,and take the existing situation as a starting point for design. The build-ing blocks formulated in the theory part form sustainable elements whichcan continuously take on new functions and can contribute to the soul ofthe city, or sense of place. In this way local people and communities mayeasier attach meaning to their environment. yamenLinearityHierarchyUnityHuman scale Enclosure141 150. Photos of the site.142 151. 143 152. 4.4.1 Existing contextPublic transport parametersThe first parameters in the design are based on the public transport as back-bone of the wall ( 4.52). On the particular site there are 3 metro stationsplanned. A radius of 500 metres sets the maximum allowed building area,in order to maintain a maximum of 10 minute walk from house to metrostation.ValleyThe second step is to build up a framework based on the existing landscapeand building structure on the site ( 4.53). The landscape on the chosen partof the wall has some interesting features. It is made up of a terraced agri-cultural landscape which produces rice, wheat, vegetables, beef, pork, tea,medicinal herbs, tobacco and silk.The site has a significant difference in heights which goes from 560 metresto almost 610 metres. Central on the site is a valley with a high productionin grain ( 4.54). The first articulation of the framework is articulating thetopography. This valley will be maintained and will form a new green andlush backbone on the site. During summer this valley will form impressiveyellow colours, due to the growing of the grain, while in winter a nice greenvalley will emerge. It changes colour with the harvesting. The valley canform a natural park system throughout the site.144 153. 4.52 Public transport parameters.4.53 Landscape structure.4.54 Valley.145 154. 4.54 Valley.146 155. 147 156. Bamboo hills and water pondsAnother interesting feature of the site are the hills with bamboo forests(Moso bamboo or Phyllostachys pubescens) ( 4.55). Besides the spatialquality, bamboo has some major ecological benefits. With its fast growthrate and high annual regrowth after harvesting, the bamboo forest has ahigh carbon storage potential. A high annual rate of carbon accumulationmeans that the bamboo forests are one of the most efficient types of forestvegetation for carbon fixation. Bamboo forests have an extensive rhizomesystem (horizontal stems) , a thick litter layer, highly elastic culms, and adense canopy. These characteristics give bamboo forests a high capacity forerosion control, soil and water conservation, landslide prevention, protec-tion of riverbanks, and windbreak and shelterbelt potential. Since Chengduis known for its rainfall and moisture, the bamboo forests can help withthis, since they have a strong capacity for rainfall interception and moistureretention.Finally these bamboo hills will form natural oxygen bars for the site, andcan therefore clean the air and reduce noise. It maintains wildlife biodiver-sity by providing food and habitat for numerous species of insects in the soiland tree layers, as well as for spiders, butterflies, birds and other higher lifeforms (Lou et al., 2010). Socially, local residents harvest the bamboo, anduse it for a wide range of products. This does not harm the ecological ben-efits described above.The existing water ponds form water storages and air purifiers ( 4.55). Theprimary function is to collect water from strong rainfall. As an additionaleffect the evaporated water cools air and enforces a circulation of the airtrough the city on warm summer days. This rain will be collected at theponds and the vegetation (reed as halophytes) will purify this in a naturalway. The sun evaporates this water again, but then cleaned, or the waterinfiltrates in the aquifer, also cleaned. 4.55 Bamboo hills and water ponds.148 157. Natural ventilatorThe valley, bamboo hills and water ponds will have an interesting effect onthe everyday living quality and especially the air quality of the site. SinceChengdu has practically no winds, alternatives need to be fostered, thelandscape can work as a natural ventilator for the new build areas. Buildareas have higher temperatures, which is called the heat-island effect, anda lower air pressure, than the landscape. The water ponds will cool air andenforce circulation of air. From the landscape a cool and humid airflow willwork as a natural ventilator in the city ( 4.56). So, the valley ,the bamboohills and water ponds will form retreatment and refreshment areas, bothsocially as ecologically on the site. O2 O2 O2O2 O2H L rainfall interceptionL reducing moisture valley carbonLevaporation water HHHGrey water water ponds rain water collectionpolluted ground water inaquifer 4.56 Natural ventilator.Upgrading existing networkThe existing roads connect places in the city and landscape. These wellpaved streets can be maintained and form an infrastructural framework forthe site ( 4.57). The existing buildings along these roads, can be integratedin new blocks. These roads will form the primary arteries in the hierar-chy. ( 4.58, p.159) Therefore a symmetrical profile with a clear distinctionbetween private and public is prescribed. A continuity of the facade, no set-back, a (semi-) public first floor and a maximum of 6 stories and mixed landuse will provide a flow of people and goods. 4.57 Existing network. 149 158. 4.4.2Series of enclosed worldsWhat results is a framework build up from the existing situation. The nextsteps will interpret the building blocks formulated in the theory part in thisparticular site.LinearityThe main intervention is adding new lanes to the infrastructural network,by placing these in a east-west direction ( 4.59). These lanes will follow theterraces, and will mimic the rice paddies. These south facing streets willtake full advantage of sunshine in winter and prevailing winds in summer.These roads will form the secondary arteries focused on the flows of dailylife. An asymmetrical profile emphasizes this ( 4.60, p.150). A transitionzone of 5 metres which can contain porches, verandas and front yards, within the street public spaces consisting of sitting elements, planting, vendorsand street stalls. To improve the interaction between street and block withinevery 7 metres there need to be an entrance. First floors are accessible withshops, restaurants, teahouses or other semi-public facilities. The blocks arerecognizable and controllable entities. 4.59 Secondary arteries.150 159. 23 7 15 7 23- symetrical profile- continuity facade- no setback- transparency 1st floor- max 5 stories- land use mix- max 12 m betweeneach entrance- max 25% open spaceon plot4.58 Primary arteries.151 160. - transition zone 5 m ( porches, verandas, frontyard) - 3-4 stories - asymetrical profile- height differences- max 7 m. betweeneach entrance - sitting elements - land use mix - vendors and street stalls - planting as space-makers 4.60 Secondary arteries, asymetrical profile.152 161. HierarchyWhat results is a hierarchical system leading from the public to the very pri-vate. The hierarchy is emphasised by varying the width of the lanes so that, yamenin general, they become narrower as they become shorter and closer to thehouses. Within this framework building plots can be pointed out ( 4.61).This framework makes the spatial and social readable and transparent.Different programs can emphasise this hierarchy, with around the valley amixed program of living and leisure ( 4.62). The main arteries carry com-merce, offices and dwellings, while the secondary arteries are mainly dwell-ings. At strategic spots, meaning where landscape, main arteries and metrostations come together, special buildings can form focus points. 4.61 Building plots. 4.62 Program.153 162. UnityTo develop the plots into urban blocks, the idea of collectivity is leading.The domesticity of a Chinese family is build up as a micro cosmos of Chi-nese private life, with walls serving to enclose, protect and define the dwell-ing, therefore the blocks need to provide private spaces. In contrary withWestern blocks and High-rise free standing towers, private spaces shouldbe distributed evenly throughout the block. The goal is to form a unitybetween manmade open space and nature and blending it into smallerpieces distributed evenly throughout a human scaled and horizontal city.Human scaleBy placing walls of 6 metres on the edges, which are steady soils of clayand sand, of the existing rice paddy structure, a possibility emerges to createthese private spaces ( 4.63). The plots will be divided into manageablesmaller plots in which individual units can be developed. On the smallerplots a maximum of 60% is allowed to build, no higher than 4 stories. Everyhouse enjoys thus a piece of open private space. Since there is no direct sun-light in Chengdu, light will reach the ground floors easily. Developers areallowed to build within one block a maximum of 10 plots including thewalls at once. This prevents the emerging of large gated compounds andallows for a bottom-up development. Farmers who live on the site can selltheir land to investors or government and buy a new walled house or canexpand their existing house. Certain plots will be reserved for semi-publicaccessibility ( 4.64). 20% of these plots are allowed to be build, which resultsin small alleyways penetrating the block. Walls on these plots will be cutwith holes which can be consciously experienced. Entrances of the individ-ual units are located on these alleyways, with bamboo screens in front of thedoors, to make a semi-private front.154 163. 4.62 Valley4.62 Building plots4.63 New walls.4.64 Collective spaces155 164. 4.65 Final model of development.156 165. 4.66 Different building typologies 157 166. 4.65 Final model of development.158 167. 159 168. EnclosureThe structure that results is called the Sponge. It is a structure that cangrow or even shrink easily and is highly adaptable to the market. It is aframework that is formed radically by the existing natural topography (4.66, p.160), and an interpretation of the building blocks from the theorypart. The result is a series of enclosed worlds with human scaled courtyards,gardens, small open areas and other forms of open space, alternating withthe main roads, bamboo hills, water ponds and valley ( 4.67, p.162).160 169. 161 170. 4.66 Existing terraced landscape structure with paddy fields.162 171. 163 172. 4.67 New development.164 173. 165 174. 4.69 Birds eye perspective166 175. 167 176. 4.70 Inzoom168 177. 169 178. 4.71 Birds eye of the edge.170 179. 171 180. 4.72 Inzoom of the spine.172 181. 173 182. 4.73 Birds eye of the spine.174 183. 175 184. 4.74 Inzoom176 185. 177 186. 4.75 Birds eye178 187. 179 188. 4.76 Inzoom180 189. 181 190. 4.77 Inzoom182 191. 183 192. 4.78 1:500184 193. 185 194. 4.79 Section 1:500. Movement through enclosed worlds.186 195. 187 196. 4.80 1:200188 197. 189 198. Storage + first filter Clean air Wall water transport systemBlack water Chinese citronella grass hylophytes and gravelWater tankStorage pondsClarification plantGrey water Clean gutterHelophytesPrimary sedimentation Planted trench filter Chengdu water system4.81 Water cleaning system Also in materialization this can be emphasised. Rainwater runs on 1 metre wide water gutters in public space trough the enclosed worlds to the water catchment ponds ( 4.81). These water gutters are filled with stones and marbles, therefore intensifying the sound of the streaming water ( 4.82). This has a cooling and calming effect on micro level. The walls itself can be build from white concrete blocks. This maximizes sunshine reflection and keeps the adjacent spaces cool in the summer. Indigenous plants like Ligus- trum wallichii, Liriope spicata and Aconitum carmichaeli and herbs like Gentiana scabra, Duchesnea indica contain healing effects for body and air and function like natural incense ( 4.83 p.190). Bamboo screens can further subdivide spaces. By planting differently in colour and effect in each space, the sequence of enclosed worlds will also be emphasised with touch and smell. The pavement can be made of brick baked from the local soil. This results in a colour range from dark brown to yellow and grey. By enclosing with walls and emphasizing this with the distribution of materials, plants and streaming water a general public space can become a particular place. It provides a structure for ones position in space, time and society and a tangible spatial reference for everyday life. It makes the infinite natural space comprehensible, enabling meaningful human inter- relation with it. 190 199. 4.82 Inzoom water cleaning system. 191 200. 4.83 1:5 Wall section with water transport192 201. WaterGravelbedPrefab concrete with constructed gutterPrefab concreteCoated steel gutterHelophytesConcrete Gravel 193 202. 4.84 Different plantation in sections.194 203. 195 204. 4.85 Public space section water gutter196 205. 4.86 Public space section Bamboo screen197 206. 4.87 Model198 207. 199 208. 4.88 Density200 209. 1,7 FSI60,000 people on 1km2201 210. 4.4.3Walking from metro to bedroomFrom eye-level this results in a sequence of walled enclosures.Movement through these walled world forms the key experienceof space. Space is experienced trough a crossing of various enclo-sures and different spatial se