“A strong vision to conserve historical heritage and cultural traditions” – Holcim Awards Jury
-
2 / 3
Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize 2008 for “Revitalization and relocation plan for Ghost City, Fengdu, China” (l-r): Nu Peng, academic; Nan Kai Xia, planner; and Kai Sheng Li, academic, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China congratulated by jury member Mark Lee.
The “Ghost City” of Fengdu is located on the western side of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. Due to the construction of the dam, the original and abandoned city is periodically flooded depending on water captured in the dam. A new settlement had to be built on the top of a wide protective embankment in the north. For thousands of years, Fengdu has been regarded by native beliefs and in Taoism as the location of the inferno and the final trail, which maintained in Fengdu a duality between the real and the opposite shore.
Last updated: June 05, 2008 Shanghai, China
By taking advantage of rebuilding the city, comprehensive development planning has started that involves authorities and the whole population. The consistent rebuilding process covers a multi-faceted content of urban space and cultural elements, including shape, scale, type, construction, craftsmanship and aboriginal life. The jury has commended this project due to its strong vision to conserve the historical heritage and cultural traditions through a careful rebuilding of the ancient town.