“An innovative and unique approach to the overall land use planning” – Holcim Awards Jury

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    Extended project submission 2009 Sustainable planning for a rural community, Beijing

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    Holcim Awards Gold 2008 Asia Pacific presentation (l-r): CEO Huaxin Cement, Yeqing Li; award-winner Yue Zhang; CEO Holcim Ltd and Chairman Holcim Foundation, Markus Akermann.

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    Holcim Awards Gold 2008 Asia Pacific presentation (l-r): award-winner Yue Zhang congratulated by CEO Huaxin Cement, Yeqing Li.

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    Holcim Awards Gold 2008 winner: Yue Zhang, academic, Tsinghua University, School of Architecture, Beijing, China.

The dominating highlight of this project is the innovative and unique approach to the overall land use planning for the development of the rural community that is based on a sound field survey and the establishment and scientific analysis of a comprehensive database. The anticipated transformation of this community consists of the overall improvement of the circulation network, public utilities and public services as well as the stringent consideration of ecological and energy saving technologies for the renewal of existing buildings and for newly built facilities. The whole renewal process is driven by public participation and steered by the local authorities. The project is a joint effort of a multi-disciplinary team consisting mainly of academics and government officers. 

Last updated: June 05, 2008 Shanghai, China

This work is an enjoyable idea and represents a very comprehensive approach at the urban level. All five “target issues” for sustainable construction as defined by the Holcim Foundation are addressed strongly. The project has been commended because it demonstrates in an ideal way the smart combination of heritage preservation, traditional knowledge and habits, local materials and modern technologies and last but not least professional project management. It has a high potential to become a role model for the sustainable development of rural communities and urban districts in emerging economies experiencing rapid change.