Wuxi, a city in the southeast of Jiangsu province within China’s Yangtze River Delta, is approximately 128 kilometers from Shanghai. Known for its over 3,000-year history, Wuxi holds deep cultural significance and is a center for talent. Recognized as the birthplace of Wu Culture and a key site in China’s modern industrial and commercial evolution, the city boasts 31 state-protected heritage sites, 11 designated as national intangible cultural assets, and houses 60 museums and memorials. In recent years, Wuxi has sought to establish itself as an internationally youth-friendly city, with this Urban Regeneration Design Competition being a crucial initiative toward developing a city centered around youth. By addressing public service gaps from young people’s perspectives, this competition seeks to foster a welcoming social environment that meets the diverse developmental needs of young people, attracts emerging talent, and supports mutual growth between youth and the city.
Competition Theme
The theme, “The Appointment between Youth and City,” emphasizes the interaction between urban renewal and cultural preservation in Wuxi’s Greater Jiangnan “Old Town.” With designated sites as the competition’s focus, designers are encouraged to incorporate both restoration and modernization to harmonize historical and cultural preservation with urban renewal. The goal is to create new cultural and tourism landmarks that appeal to young people and exemplify youth-centered urban development.
Design Sites Overview
Five sites in Wuxi’s Liangxi District have been selected for this competition, and participants may choose one or multiple sites to focus on:
- Erquan Square
- Location: Core area of Chong’an Temple block.
- Area: Conceptual scope of 6,550 square meters, core design scope of 800 square meters.
- Significance: Named after the song “The Moon Over a Fountain,” Erquan Square is a historical and cultural symbol of Wuxi. Surrounded by significant heritage buildings, the square reflects Wuxi’s rich cultural history.
- Design Goal: Use scenographic design, unique installations, and a coordinated spatial approach to create a landmark that embodies Wuxi’s historical development.
- Zhang’s Jiale Hall
- Location: 252 Nan Chang Street.
- Area: Approximately 564 square meters, with 1,065 square meters of indoor space across two floors.
- Historical Value: Built in 1930, it holds architectural and artistic importance.
- Design Goal: Preserve the building’s original structure while introducing innovative indoor space renovations that appeal to young people, revitalizing the historic site.
- “Caozhangli” Food Street
- Location: Runs north to south between Yongfeng Road and Yongle Road.
- Length: Under 1 kilometer.
- Significance: A renowned spot for authentic Wuxi cuisine, situated near social and cultural landmarks popular among youth.
- Design Goal: Enhance the street’s layout to promote youth-oriented social gatherings while retaining its traditional charm.
- Liangxi District Library
- Location: 328 Renmin East Road.
- Building Area: 2,447 square meters over five floors.
- Design Focus: Focus on the vacated third to fifth floors, previously used for archives, and repurpose them as an innovative cultural space for young people.
- Design Goal: Introduce youth-centered programs and activities to establish the library as a vibrant cultural destination.
- Yongding Bridge Park
- Location: Intersection of Xianqian West Street and Jiefang West Road.
- Area: 4,095 square meters of green space.
- Current Use: A basic green space with limited appeal for youth.
- Design Goal: Create an inviting, practical outdoor space that resonates with urban youth lifestyle, integrating features that encourage relaxation and socialization.
Design Type
Participants are encouraged to experiment with various design types, including architecture, landscape, sculpture, and installation. The objective is to create vibrant urban environments that appeal to young people while emphasizing the competition’s theme of urban renewal and cultural preservation, helping to rejuvenate Wuxi’s cityscape.
Awards
- First Prize (1 team): 100,000 RMB (approx. 14,000 USD) (before tax)
- Second Prize (3 teams): 50,000 RMB (approx. 7,000 USD) (before tax)
- Third Prize (5 teams): 30,000 RMB (approx. 4,200 USD) (before tax)
- Honorable Mentions: Recognition without a monetary prize.
Schedule
Jury Review: March 2025 (Subject to final confirmation on the competition website)
Registration Deadline: December 31, 2024
Submission Deadline: February 20, 2025
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