Landscape & Urban Design Issue 71 2025 | Page 42

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

RECONSTRUCTION OF URBAN MEMORY

In May 2022 , the renovation and upgrading plan for the Beijing- Hangzhou Grand Canal ( Wuxi section ) was completed , proposing a design strategy of gradual implementation of “ renovation , revegetation , connection , revitalization , and empowerment ”. In 2023 , Liangxi District of Wuxi City launched the construction of the waterfront space in the Beitang Street section . The entire project is about 3.6 kilometers long . The starting point is at Jieguan Pavilion Alley on Beitang Street , and the end point is the planned and under-construction Beijian Park . It is a waterfront green corridor connecting Beijian Park and the park belt along the ancient city moat .
Renovation and new construction . In the northern section ( Shanbei Bridge - Fengxiang Bridge ) within the 3.6-kilometer section , except for a small amount of remaining dock facilities , there is basically no construction content and can be regarded as new construction . In the southern section ( Fengxiang Bridge - Jiangjian Bridge ), there are already many landscape facilities and greenery , and only a local renovation strategy can be used for improvement . The different construction statuses of the two sections pose different requirements for the design . At the same time , the current space of the entire section is relatively narrow . Except for a few enlarged spaces , it is basically a linear waterfront space 10 meters wide , which poses a great challenge to realizing a continuous , comfortable , and convenient slow traffic system .
Culture and vitality . Although there are many “ scenic spots ” in the current situation , the spaces and functions are relatively single and cannot meet the broader demands of citizens for riverside activities and are also lacking in attractiveness to surrounding community residents . Therefore , changing the current situation of “ only cultural scenic spots and no vitality facilities ” is an important task of this project . Urban
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