Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2024

Total Community

Architecture

Urban Design & Master Planning

Concept / Student Category

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Architect / Designer:

Meixi Xu

Studio:

Schoo of Visual Arts

Design Team:

Meixi Xu
Individual Project

Copyright:

N/A

Country:

China

Harbin’s Chinese Baroque Street is known for its high historic value and integrated architectural style of Baroque façades and Chinese courtyard (Siheyuan). It is the largest existing area of Baroque buildings in China.

The district is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Harbin but also a symbol of China’s progress and development over the past century. However, despite its significance, the Chinese Baroque district in Harbin is facing numerous challenges in terms of heritage conservation. One of the major challenges is the rapid pace of urban development, which has resulted in the destruction of many heritage buildings. Local authorities have taken steps to promote cultural tourism in the district by developing a range of tourism-related activities and programs. However, due to the demolition, residents were forced to move which caused the loss of authentic intangible cultural heritage.

Involving local communities in Harbin’s urban cultural heritage conservation projects is seen as a critical component of successful historic preservation efforts.My design proposal not only preserves the historical and cultural heritage of the area, promoting the city’s unique identity but also ushers in a modern lifestyle and facilities to the community and neighborhood. The design strives to manifest the Total Community concept, where the cultural heritage is protected, preserved and revitalized in an intuitive and bonding environment.

Harbin’s Chinese Baroque Street is known for its high historic value and integrated architectural style of Baroque façades and Chinese courtyard (Siheyuan). It is the largest existing area of Baroque buildings in China.

The district is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Harbin but also a symbol of China’s progress and development over the past century. However, despite its significance, the Chinese Baroque district in Harbin is facing numerous challenges in terms of heritage conservation. One of the major challenges is the rapid pace of urban development, which has resulted in the destruction of many heritage buildings. Local authorities have taken steps to promote cultural tourism in the district by developing a range of tourism-related activities and programs. However, due to the demolition, residents were forced to move which caused the loss of authentic intangible cultural heritage.

Involving local communities in Harbin’s urban cultural heritage conservation projects is seen as a critical component of successful historic preservation efforts.My design proposal not only preserves the historical and cultural heritage of the area, promoting the city’s unique identity but also ushers in a modern lifestyle and facilities to the community and neighborhood. The design strives to manifest the Total Community concept, where the cultural heritage is protected, preserved and revitalized in an intuitive and bonding environment.

Schoo of Visual Arts

N/A Art school based in New York.