Urban renewal is a strategic initiative for city development in the new era, and revitalizing inventory land resources is the key to successful urban renewals. Apart from removing Beijing’s functions non-essential to its role as the country’s capital, in recent years, Beijing Municipal Administrative Center has actively explored the renovation of old residential neighborhoods, and transformative development of inventory industrial land so as to optimize urban spaces. As the first phase of the Taihu Performing Arts Town program, the Taihu Book City project will take on a new look and empower the robust development of the performing arts town.
The project has the following main features:
First, dual upgrading in industrial function and city space. As a cultural center for performing arts-related exhibitions, theatre incubations and performance technologies, it will become the permanent site of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. While maintaining the original architectural style, the project will create a pleasant place through “space conversion”. The newly designed space will combine industrial style with performing arts elements to reshape the architectural image and enhance the overall vitality of the park.
Second, public space decoration. Old construction debris will be vacated, new road network will be supplemented, public green space will be added, and the landscape and waterfront environment will be re-designed to realize the organic integration of public space, building form and the landscape.
Third, green low-carbon concept. Ground-source heat pump is introduced, and solar panels will be deployed on building roofs. Sponge city techs such as permeable pavement, sunken green space and rainwater storage pond will be deployed to promote the recycling of water resources.
Fourth, regional linkage. The project will be built as an “innovation zone for performing arts, a demonstration zone for urban renewal, and a gathering center of new consumption”, so as to better absorb the spillover effect of Universal Studios and interact with the stage art base and the performing arts workshop of the NCPA (National Center for the Performing Arts) as well as featured homestays in the surrounding area.
