Quality-City International Young Designer Competition (China·Tangshan)

Quality-City International Young Designer Competition (China·Tangshan)

QUALITY-CITY TANGSHANAs an important part of the Fourth Hebei International Urban Planning and Design Competition(Tangshan), Q-city Competition themed on “Quality City”，based on various types of public space in the city, such as waterfront space, green space, and places with industrial elements of Tangshan, the Competition requests for design proposals with clever concepts and approaches that can upgrade space quality, enhance spatial experience, and reflect regional spirit of humanity.

The city’s subsequent focus of development is to improve the overall quality of its urban space and offer innovative public space that contributes to the wellness and quality of life of its citizens.

Today, urban space is no longer restricted by the philosophy of connectivity that is featured by simplicity and functionalism. Rather, it becomes a people-oriented place that values human experience. As people shift attention from economy-oriented urban system to the construction of quality space, how to improve the quality of space for residents and tourists and create a pleasant public space have gradually become heatedly discussed matters. The “Quality City” Competition seeks to explore ways to improve the quality of urban space. With new understanding of humanism, the Competition attempts to identify ideas and methods of micro urban renewal, and to value up existing elements through limited investment, precise design and persistent implementation strategies.The aim is to yield “significant” benefits through “small” interventions.

COMPETITION OBJECTIVES

The Quality-City International Young Designer Competition (China Tangshan) is based on the actual environment of Tangshan, a city boasting both industrial heritage and heroic culture, and focuses on public space. The design content may include, but is not limited to, repair of urban functions, sports facilities, smart city furniture, public art furnishing, and other buildings (structures) that may revitalize the city and improve the quality of space. It is expected that the design may provide new perspectives, new stages and new focuses to look at the abundant and diverse daily life. The Competition also intends to collect workable cases for the overall transformation and development of Tangshan. Excellent works may be used in relevant plans and implemented subject to the decisions of the local government.

COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS

▶ Design Principles

-Original: The design must be highly original, creating diverse places for citizens and tourists;Forward-looking: The design should be authentic, pioneering and creative, able to foresee and lead future development;Regional: The design should highlight regional characteristics of Tangshan based on its history, culture, natural environment, etc.

-Feasible: The design should ensure the workability of building materials and forms in combination with planning.

-Complex: The design should take into account various factors such as the nature of the soil, surrounding places, water systems and landscape.

-Sustainable: The design should consider the sustainability of materials and operation.

-People-oriented: The design should consider the needs of different groups of people to create a people-oriented urban space.

▶Site

-Catergary Industrial space: Tangshan is known as the cradle of modern industry in China. Since the end of the 20th century, Tangshan has witnessed rapid development of heavy industries, including its leading industries, iron and steel, coal, and porcelain, hence known as the “Porcelain Capital in Northern China”. With the transformation and development of the city, some unique industrial structures have been retained as part of the city‘s history and memory. These locations are places with industrial and cultural heritage, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be discussed.Street corner space: There have always been some underutilized transportation spaces that are often not as eye-catching as urban squares and street spaces. These locations are inefficiently used street corners, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be discussed.

-Green space: Different from natural green space, the urban green space system is a an ecosystem that integrates various resources such as nature, society and economy. Modern urban green space has been through several stages from naturally grown green space to artificial creative green space, to public green space and ecological green space. They are intended to improve the urban environment, achieve desired urban landscape effect, and building a healthy city. Designers have never stopped innovative thinking about green space design. These locations are traditional green space in the green space system of Tangshan, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be discussed.

-Square space: Squares are not only node for gathering and evacuation, but also an indicator that demonstrates the special importance of urban space quality. There is no design or facilities in traditional squares to guide people’s activities and stimulate people’s enthusiasm to exercise. These location are traditional square space in the urban space system of Tangshan, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be discussed.

-Waterfront space: As an important part of the urban water system of Tangshan, Dou River is a naturally formed river that runs into Bohai Sea on the south. The section of Dou River located in the main urban area of Tangshan connects various important urban nodes, such as Wandaoshan Park, Garden Expo, Ceramic Factory and Dachengshan Park. These locations are nodes in the navigation section of Dou River, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be discussed.Residential space: As time goes by and technology advances, many changes have taken place in people’s lives. Old things have been improved to be more convenient and efficient with the help of technology. Our daily lives have also been changing as a result of the integration of technology with urban planning and design. These locations are places closely related to the lives of residents in Tangshan, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be discussed.

-Market space: Markets are places that best represent people’s lives and urban atmosphere of a city. They are often the best places to go if tourists would like to become familiar with the city. The markets in each area are different and unique. These locations are markets in the urban space of Tangshan, the creative transformation and quality development of which should be