Urban Re-Public: Reinventing Public Spaces

Aecom's Innovative Framework Transforms Chengdu's Urban Landscape

Public spaces are often overlooked as mere open areas in the urban fabric, but Aecom's Urban Re-Public project in Chengdu, China, challenges this perception. The initiative reimagines these spaces as pivotal assets, capable of driving economic, social, and environmental prosperity. Aecom's approach diverges from traditional urban design by fostering a collaborative environment where multiple stakeholders can contribute, thereby cultivating a sense of community ownership and investment in public spaces.

The Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone is at the heart of this transformation. Aecom's design leverages the area's unique blend of innovation, history, technology, and culture. By implementing a design framework that encourages active participation, the project aims to transform underutilized spaces into dynamic hubs of activity and identity. The framework provides a clear implementation roadmap, positioning the Hi-Tech Zone as a future urban center rich in cultural and communal engagement.

The realization of the Urban Re-Public project is a testament to Aecom's comprehensive research and design methodology. The team conducted on-site research, interviews, expert consultations, citizen surveys, and analyzed urban big data to inform their design process. This meticulous approach ensures that the project is grounded in the real needs and aspirations of the Chengdu community.

Spanning an extensive 87 square kilometers, the project's scale is as ambitious as its vision. The design team, led by Project Director HungChih Liu, with designers Sang Wang, Yumeng Gu, Qing Zhang, and Sixuan Song, faced the challenge of integrating modern technological advancements with the city's rich cultural heritage. Their solution was to create a design action plan that includes guidelines for engagement, creativity, and capital investment from the broader community.

The Urban Re-Public project not only redefines the role of public spaces in Chengdu but also sets a benchmark for urban design worldwide. It demonstrates how thoughtful design and collaborative planning can convert passive urban areas into lively, meaningful spaces that resonate with the community's spirit. The project's success is underscored by its recognition with the Bronze A' City Planning and Urban Design Award in 2024, celebrating its contribution to enhancing quality of life and shaping a better future for urban environments.

With copyright ownership retained by Aecom, the Urban Re-Public project stands as a protected intellectual endeavor that has garnered well-deserved accolades for its innovative approach to placemaking. As cities around the globe seek to evolve and improve the lives of their inhabitants, the principles and practices exemplified by Aecom's project in Chengdu offer a blueprint for sustainable, community-focused urban development.