The “2019 Forbes China – Jing’an Nanjing Road Forum” was held in Shanghai, co-organized by Forbes China and Government of Jing’an District, Shanghai. Aedas Chairman and Global Design Principal Keith Griffiths was invited to deliver a keynote speech to the attendees including Cristina Tajani, Deputy Mayor of Milan, Liu Min, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Yu Yong, District Mayor of Jing’an.
Under the theme of “Urban Regeneration – Creating a Porous High Density City”, Keith shared his observation and design experience on urban development. “In the past, urban regeneration often took long-term, gradual and sluggish progress.” He took example from urban renewal Regent Quarter in London, UK, a plot that undergone numerous functional changes since first developed in 18th century. After a first wave of renewal in the 1980s, Aedas acted as masterplanner, project and design architect in the second round renewal of Regent Quarter started in the 2000, driving synergy with the integrated development of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
Aedas refurbished and redeveloped the historical buildings to introduce a dynamic portfolio of businesses into the area, including residential, office, retail, hotel, restaurants and bars, interconnected by footbridges in the courtyard, securing a tranquil, permeable space apart from the buzzling driveways. By preserving basics of the historic district and improving transport, public accessibility and functionality, a sustainable development of the district has been activated.
“In a fast growing and high density city, requirements on speed and more new challenges have been imposed on urban regeneration.” Based on decades of observation in urban development, Aedas believe more city hubs will emerge around major transportation hubs, where train and driveway interchanges. The surrounding large-scale, high-density complexes will then penetrate and connect the city with porous, multi-functional and multi-layer public spaces. As a result, urban regeneration would require more public spaces to be provided in the high-density urban context based on an understanding of the local social and cultural realities.
Another example is Central, Hong Kong, heart of one of the world’s most significant financial centres and commercial ports. Since 1996, Aedas has been involved in renovation and redevelopment of a series of prime commercial buildings in the area, including Prince’s Building, Alexandra House, Charter House and Landmark. It provides high-end retail and dining experience at lower levels and features Grade A offices spaces and luxurious hotels on top. Podium facades where granted to flagship stores to facilitate characteristic statements of international brands, while the associated link bridges further connects to improve accessibility and adding value to retail spaces of the entire area.
Aedas has also been engaged in numerous urban renewal projects in China, including the on-going C FutureCity, the largest urban regeneration project in Shenzhen, among many others. Aedas will continue to contribute to the urbanization of China and endeavor to create global benchmarks of efficient, sustainable and vibrant cities.
