By Yuling Chen, EDITOR

2018 Architecture and Urbanism Forum of Chongqing International Creative Week kicked off in Banan District in downtown Chongqing, on November 17. The event, which is themed on the “Strategies and Actions/ Chongqing and Metropoles”, gathered 12 big-name designers to talk about the future of the city and explore the opportunities and challenges in the process of urban renewal.

Experts participating in the Forum included Chongqing locals, as well as newcomers and foreigners.

“Chongqing has special terrain and abundant water resources, and the city is very special.” Nicola Saladino, Founding Partner of reMIX and lecturer of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said that Chongqing is facing an exciting development opportunity. It is a necessity to seize it to maximize its unique natural endowment so as to create a unique city brand.

Roger Sherman, Professor of School of Architecture at UCLA, talked about the high-rise buildings and crowded space in Yuzhong District. “Chongqing, I think, should focus on building a more humanized residential community to achieve closer integration with the natural landscape.”

Insights of Big-name Designers

Roger Sherman, Professor of School of Architecture at UCLA

“How does the city respond to such changes? I don’t think we should balk at it, but we need to actively embrace, harness and utilize the wave of change to achieve positive results.”

Chu Dongzhu, Deputy Dean of School of Architecture and Planning of Chongqing University

“When we discuss the urban space, we usually talk about things that are within sight. However, the details of urban space should withstand microscope examination. Therefore, it’s necessary to create a more pleasant space for locals as the city expands.”

Nicola Saladino, Founding Partner of reMIX and Lecturer of the Central Academy of Fine Arts

“In this day and age of globalization, a majority of cities look similar. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a connection between the land and the city in a bid to explore a new city model. Architects should consider the multi-level needs when designing buildings. Cities are not built in one day, so it’s pivotal to design for changes.”

Yang Dingliang, Instructor at Harvard GSD and Founding Partner of VARY

“Doing a good job in the construction of urban infrastructure can undoubtedly better boost the development of the city. The natural endowments of mountains and rivers give Chongqing a unique charm, which also puts forward new requirements for the future construction of the city. It is necessary, I think, for Chongqing to make better use of these natural endowments in its future development.”

Source: CQCB