POST-OLYMPIC CITY CUHK M1

CUHK M1 Urbanization Studio

Supervisor: Laurence Liauw (CUHK)
M1 Studio Students: Chan Yuen Chiu (Priscilla), Chan Ka Wai (Jennifer), Hung Kwai Yu (Jo), Leung Yee Ling (Kelly), Yang Lu (Louise), Yip Chui Chui (Tracy)

PREMISE
The 2008 Olympic have come and gone, acting as an event catalyst that has suddenly transformed ‘New Beijing’ with many questions remaining for the future planning of Beijing. The role of new architectural types in the Post Olympic city and their multi-scalar relationship with existing fabric / landform through public institutions will be an object of study. Post-Event Planning in the Olympic Park for urban evolution of socio-economic and political-cultural urban life require new architectural tactics to re-vision the city in a sustainable manner, beyond the excitement of the Olympic Games themselves. This requires foresight and ambition beyond the mere spectacle of the present, and baggage of the past. Future Beijing under development now has been transformed suddenly by these monumental Olympics. How will the city now sustain its future growth through reconfigured urban landscapes, new types and regenerated fabric? How can we learn from the failure of the Asian Games developments? Can Beijing gradually reinvent itself for future generations whilst extending its cultural lineage through public institutions that contribute to Beijing, China and the World? What could be the future dynamics between Monumental Park and Peoples’ Park?

M1 URBANIZATION STUDIO PROJECT
We aim to contribute a researched design proposal for the constructive intervention in the city to deal with the issues of:

- Landscape and privatization of public space
- Spatial segregation and gentrification of city fabric
- Event driven development superceding sustainable urbanism
- Iconic mega-structures in context of historic cities
- Role of public institutions in a cultural city
- Street life and local urban culture
- Expiry of dominant urban types and unsustainable planning

PART 1 – Beijing Urban Investigation and Post Olympic Proposition
Field study in group strategies that will result in physical strategic masterplan adaptable to future planning policy, and tactical architectural interventions. 2 alternative visions for future planning – Monumental and Peoples Park form a basis for the design project.

PART 2: Design Project – Another Monument?
Individual proposals extended from these visions will address the design brief for a major cultural art institution to be proposed for the Olympic Park adjacent to the National Stadium. The idea of a post Olympic City-Park (for the People and for the Nation) is embodied in how this new public institution extends itself within the Park and its monumental architecture.