CHINA'S URBAN ARCHITECTURAL TRANSFORMATION

China's Urban Architectural Transformation: Models And Procedures Of Morphological Change In Beijing

China's Urban Architectural Transformation: Models And Procedures Of Morphological Change In Beijing

Problem Statement

New urban and economic development are transforming the fundamental nature and structure of China' s cities. The distinctive patterns wrought by overlaying socialist ideals on the pre-1949 city are giving way to new forms that reflect and contribute to the country' s changing economic, social and political conditions. These new urban geographical patterns have substantive implications for development, the changing character of life for urban-dwellers and for new patterns of domestic and international investment in urban real estate and development projects. (Smith, 2006, pp. 124-131) Much of the discussion is derived from observations, data and materials gathered during 14 months of research in 1992±95. After a brief overview of the historical development of Chinese urban forms in the 20th century, the article will identify and analyse newly emerging urban structures in terms of patterns of land use, circulation and height structure, and changing processes for planning, funding and developing Chinese urban space. (Andrusz, 2006, pp. 45-61) Cities have undergone a staggering transformation in 20th-century China, one that is still very much in process. Less than half a century ago, China' s cities were walled settlements based on millennia-old architectural and urban design traditions.

Objectives of the research

This research will survey types of morphological change taking place in China' s large eastern city, with an emphasis on Beijing, China' s largest and most internationally linked city.

Importance of research

After 1949, these were transformed according to Maoist thinking about the role of cities in the national economy and revolutionary notions about urban life. (Wei, 2003, pp. 135)In the late 1970s, yet another fundamental change began as economic reforms in areas such as the collectivisation and privatisation of economic ventures, real estate development and foreign investment led to the transformation of urban form, urban functions and urban lives at every level. These contemporary transformations are evident in such aspects of urban life as changing city skylines and commuting patterns and the emergence of new urban districts.

Research Questions

Explain the New urban and economic development are transforming the fundamental natureand structure of China' s cities?

Describe the distinctive patterns wrought by overlaying socialist ideals on the pre-1949 city are giving way to new forms reflecting the country's dynamic economic, social and political conditions.

Explore the patterns and processes of change in urban form in contemporary Beijing?

Examine these rapidly changing cities highlights both the regional variation in urban development in China and the emergence of common trends in development and form?

Describe the patterns of land-use specialisation, circulation and building height, and processes of planning, urban renewal and privatisation of the real estate market.

Current developments in the area of research

In recent years, the Maoist city is being abandoned with staggering speed. In the past 20 years, new thinking about social organisation and urban lifestyles, together with the demands of a changing economy have resulted in the rapid development ...