Chinese architect shines at London design fair
Updated: 2016-09-13 16:21
By Angus McNeice(China Daily UK edition)
|
|||||||||
Liu Xiaodu, founding partner of Urbanus, explains the concept for his design. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
This growth, boosted by its designation as China's first special economic zone in 1980, has seen Shenzhen become an important economic hub in southern China.
However, the city faces mounting challenges in dealing with urban congestion.
Liu Xiaodu, founding partner of architectural company Urbanus, believes cities such as Shenzhen will benefit from a radical new approach to urban planning, centered around high-density, communal living spaces.
"We are running out of land," he said. "We have to think of alternative ways, rather than building endlessly... The world is changing. People are moving toward co-living, co-working areas. Younger people are starting small businesses and working in shared spaces. I think the old, conventional way is not suitable for them-it's very expensive and not flexible."
Liu is exhibiting a model megastructure named DenCity at this year's London Design Biennale. The installation is China's entry at the design fair, which showcases 37 "visions of Utopia".
Other visions come from design teams worldwide, and this year's theme marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of Sir Thomas More's seminal book Utopia.
Sir John Sorrell, chairman of the biennale, said, "I believe that the installation that has come all the way from Shenzhen is a very intelligent piece of work."
DenCity imagines an enormous structure that could house 50,000 people who live, work and spend their leisure time in the self-sustaining building.
Liu said: "New ideas are needed to solve the problem of urban congestion. In Shenzhen's high-tech area, new young talent is coming to work in tech companies and it needs living space.
"Land is very costly-what we propose is to double the density of a regular development project. With higher density and less spending on land, rent is cheaper."
Liu and his team draw inspiration from ancient forms of Chinese living and apply them to modern architecture. In 2009, Urbanus completed Tulou, a 220-apartment housing complex for people from low-income families in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.
Related Stories
Birmingham Fair sees record number of Chinese exhibitors 2016-09-07 22:30
China, UK vow to push 'golden-era' ties forward 2016-09-06 23:16
London Lord Mayor upbeat about China's role in global growth, urges UK-China cooperation 2016-09-05 10:40
UK expert: China will share its prosperity with the world 2016-09-03 19:53
British born Chinese face cultural challenge 2016-09-01 19:21
Today's Top News
Britain's ex-leader Cameron resigns as a lawmaker
Russia to have online Chinese language courses
China, France FMs talk over ties, Korean Peninsula
Show set to follow Downton Abbey success in China
Greece closest ever to solve sustainability of debt
Chinese peacekeepers to join UN's fast-response team
Lord Mayor focused on post-Brexit positives
China, Britain vow to deepen military exchanges
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Hollywood snaps up rock star's dog film |
Chinese people welcome dispossessed |
The can-do generation to the fore |
Riding the wave |
Leisure giants buoy cruise market |
She followed her heart |