2023/10/08 Author: HDD
The 2023 World Design Cities Conference (WDCC2023) took place in Huangpu Binjiang from September 26 to October 2, supported by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and bolstered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the National Commission of The People’s Republic of China for UNESCO. Operating under the theme "Design Beyond Creativity," the event aimed to establish a global platform for design discussions and partnerships. It explored the multifaceted ways in which design can foster high-quality innovation and promote design consciousness in urban settings. The week-long conference included three main design summits, 10 additional forums, launch events, fashion shows, and nearly 100 other varied activities. On September 27, Urban China magazine under HDD successfully hosted a notable session titled " Transforming City Living: Bridging the Natural and the Technological" as part of WDCC2023's main exhibition venue.
at the event
The session, moderated by Gehry Guo CUI, director of Urban Planning Department at HDD, featured distinguished speakers: Xu Ye, a Doctoral candidate in Architecture from the University of Nottingham; Zhang Yunjie, a master's student in Urban Design from both Tongji and the Technical University of Berlin; and Lin Yue, founder of “imagine it!“, co-founder of “Urban Lab 8”. The discussion centered on the relationship between urban living and the natural environment.
event poster
In the introduction, host Gehry Guo CUI discussed the ongoing challenge of balancing technological advancement with the tranquility of nature in the development of cities. From the concepts of the 'Garden City' and 'Radiant City' to 'New Urbanism,' there has always been a continuous effort in urban studies to achieve this balance. Current discussions on the "Green City" idea and debates about the term "Habitation" align with these ideals, questioning how nature and humans can coexist in today's urban settings.
The magazine "Urban China" has undertaken comprehensive research into urban green spaces, using a multifaceted methodology. In 2022, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hong Kong were chosen as focal points to study the dynamics of "City × Nature." This initiative culminated in the successful hosting of three forums, all distinct in their themes but unified by their emphasis on parks and green spaces.
Issue 93 of the magazine, dubbed "A Critical Observation of Chinese Future Community Practices," offers an in-depth look into the prospective communities in China, underpinned by five primary dimensions: time, space, nature, technology, and organization. Meanwhile, the 84th issue, titled "Small Green Spaces– the Transition of Urban Green Spaces, Led by The General Public," centers on public interests and aspirations. This edition explores avenues to adapt green spaces to specific historical and geographical contexts.
Drawing from its foundational studies on cities, nature, and lifestyle, the salon further probes the theme of "Habitation." It contrasts the ecological facets of urban living against the strides in digital technology. The intent is to uncover innovative approaches to urban living and to reimagine spaces for human habitation. Ultimately, the ambition is to craft a blueprint for a richer and more fulfilling urban life.
Middle: In Pursuit of “Future”: A Critical Observation of Chinese Future Community Practices
Right: Small Green Spaces: The Transition of Urban Green Spaces, Led by the General Public
host Gehry Guo CUI gives an opening introduction
Theme 1:“Comparing, Combining, and Superimposing: Domestic Life in the Digital Era”
Xu Ye is currently pursuing her PhD in Architecture at the University of Nottingham, UK. She holds the distinction of being one of the Fourth Cohort Members of Urban China International Observer（UCIO）. A graduate of Peking University, Xu Ye earned a Master's degree in Geography, with a specialization in Urban and Regional Planning, in 2017. Her diverse research interests encompass housing, residential culture, urban interactions, mapping, and critical visual practice.
During the discussion, she explored the contrast between two concepts of home: the physical residence we know in the real world and its virtual counterpart in the digital domain. Her focus wasn't on deeming one more genuine than the other. Rather, she delved into how digital elements, facilitated by screens, cameras, and software, impact family life. Furthermore, she analyzed how both intangible and tangible elements come together in shaping spaces, shedding light on the dynamic evolution of residential architecture.
Theme 2: "Exploring Natural Public Spaces through the Lens of Environmental Justice"
Zhang Yunjie: A postgraduate student specializing in Urban and Rural Planning at Tongji University, Zhang also holds a dual master's degree in Urban Design from the Technical University of Berlin. She has been one of the Sixth Cohort Members of Urban China International Observer（UCIO）.Zhang's primary research interest revolves around the interplay between urban environments and nature. Specifically, she delves into how planning historically influences the relationship between natural components and spatial evolution.
Zhang's exploration of natural public spaces, drawing inspiration from her urban walk in Berlin's Neukolln district, emphasized the principles of environmental justice. Stepping in for the original leader, Herbert Lohner from the Berlin Environment and Nature Conservation Association, shared observations of three unique semi-public green spaces encountered along the route: the Baumscheiben (tree trunk gardens), Kleingarten (community farms), and facade greening methods, including personal balconies. These urban green spaces, operating within varied institutional settings, offer multifaceted benefits, from ecological to cultural, for city residents.
Theme 3: "A 'Natural' Insight into Cities"
Lin Yue: Lin Yue serves as the Managing Director and an independent curator for the " imagine it! " brand, which focuses on popularizing natural science. An alumnus of the Visual Communication Design Department at Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts, Lin Yue is deeply invested in promoting the understanding and application of natural ecology and ecological principles. Under her guidance, a series of popular science books titled "Grand View of Nature" was published, and an exhibition named "What Kind of Bird Am I?" was orchestrated. These initiatives were designed to convey China's natural narratives and the encompassing ecological tenets of the "Grand View of Nature" through publications and design.
The discussion will offer a fresh lens on how urban inhabitants might reforge and comprehend their ties to nature. Amidst urban landscapes that seemingly present aspects of "nature," how can one discern the underlying ecological essence from mere appearances? Lin Yue will showcase various examples, highlighting the facades of "natural" elements within urban settings, and will introduce several practical strategies for ecological integration.
Organizers:”Urban China” Magazine; Urban Lab 8; JUMP
Co-organizers: Whynot studio; Shanghai HuaDu Architecture & Urban Design Co., Ltd. (HDD)
Planners: Gehry Guo CUI, Zheng Ziqing
Team members: Zhang Jingxuan, Yang Songfei, Tang Fei, Liu Shiyi, Ke Zhuolin, Lin Yue, Cheng Guoqiang
