Reclaiming the Water City

Urban Regeneration Strategies Based on Water City Identity of Jiaxing

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

Y. Ji Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

R.C. Rocco de Campos Pereira Spatial Planning and Strategy - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Luca Iuorio Environmental Technology and Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
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Published Date

20-06-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

In recent decades, China's rapid urbanization and economic growth have caused significant ecological damage, especially in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). Jiaxing, at the heart of the YRD, exemplifies these challenges. Historically, Jiaxing's identity and prosperity were intertwined with water, supporting agriculture, trade, and cultural activities. However, modern urban development has drastically reduced water areas, altering the landscape and detaching residents from their water-centric lifestyle. This shift has led to ecological, economic, and social issues, eroding the city's identity.

This paper aims to restore Jiaxing's identity as a water city, ensuring a sustainable future by following Cheshmehzangi's (2015) theory. At the regional scale, it will analyze the interplay between the city and its water elements using Mačiukėnaitė and Povilaitienė's (2013) framework, focusing on infrastructure, ecology, society, and symbolic roles to revitalize urban identity and city vitality.

At the environmental scale, the study will examine the relationship between citizens and their urban environment, emphasizing forms, activities, and impressions. Using the Holistic Urban Landscape theory, it will propose strategies to maintain spatial atmosphere and improve urban space quality. The paper will conclude with the design of urban nodes to demonstrate the feasibility of these strategies.