Modernization imposed: SOM’s practice in China – A case study of Wuhan

Kangwei Tu,Andras Reith

doi:10.1556/606.2020.00249

Abstract

AbstractSkidmore, Owings & Merrill Limited Liability Partnership as one of the best ‘localized’ overseas design companies in China, has participated in more than ten large-scale urban design projects in Wuhan, which has greatly changed the urban image and architectural style of Wuhan. Its space model of ‘grid road system + high-rise building’ replaces the traditional urban pattern of ‘street + residence’, causing huge cultural conflicts and historical rupture. Based on the planning of Wuhan Hanzheng street as an example, this paper attempts to uncover the cause of formation, the motivation mechanism of ‘grid road system + high-rise buildings’ space model, and to explore how Chinese cities realize the urban modernization with Chinese characteristics.

Highlights

The modernization process of Wuhan can be seen as the epitome of the modernization of thousands of Chinese cities
Based on the planning of Wuhan Hanzheng street as an example, this paper attempts to uncover the cause of formation, the motivation mechanism of ‘grid road system þ high-rise buildings’ space model, and to explore how Chinese cities realize the urban modernization with Chinese characteristics
With the great impact of reform and opening up, the traditional urban pattern of small streets and alleys can no longer meet the needs of urban development – Wuhan, like many other Chinese cities, started the pace of major demolition and reconstruction in the late 1990s and embarked on the road of ‘modernization’

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The modernization process of Wuhan can be seen as the epitome of the modernization of thousands of Chinese cities. With the great impact of reform and opening up, the traditional urban pattern of small streets and alleys can no longer meet the needs of urban development – Wuhan, like many other Chinese cities, started the pace of major demolition and reconstruction in the late 1990s and embarked on the road of ‘modernization’. In this way, these cities have been hard to find any material basis as a famous historical and cultural city in the surging tide of economic development. Pollack Periodica 16 (2021) 2, 163–169 provideing great opportunities for foreign design companies to enter the Chinese market, and need the experience of the western society and the answers from the United States

The product of multidisciplinary collaboration

Nine planning principles for the twenty-first century

The best street in the world

Reconstruction dilemma

Findings

CONCLUSION