Abstract
According to a strictly morpho-typological and, therefore, non-stylistic approach, one of SIURH's objectives is to investigate the phenomenon of massive urban expansion in China in recent decades and the relationship between the need for economic and social development and respect for tradition. The investigation, starting from the analysis of relevant case studies, intends to highlight the generative morphogenetic processes in order to develop a specific re-generative meta planning theory on which it will be possible to base future operational actions of reconfiguration of the Chinese urban territory.
In the early years of the 21st century, the Government of the People's Republic of China embarked on a bold mission, unveiling a visionary plan to construct 20 new cities annually for the subsequent two decades. This initiative led to the development of approximately 400 new cities by 2020, as documented by Fang and Yu (2016) and Shepard (2015). This transformative process has wrought profound alterations in the interplay between central cities and their surrounding environs. Additionally, it marks a transition from an erstwhile landscape characterised by scattered industrial satellite towns, predominantly devoted to rural agricultural pursuits, to one distinguished by the emergence of suburban New Towns. These developments contribute significantly to the evolution of a coherent global city-region. (Wu 2016).
Today, the economic landscape and prospects have undergone profound changes, necessitating a thoughtful response to the intricate challenge of managing and potentially divesting or regenerating an extensive inventory of structures. This challenge unfolds against the backdrop of shifting economic conditions, a rapid evolution in the nation's population, and the evolving dynamics of the construction industry.
Addressing this issue necessitates adopting a revised "cosmopolitan approach", which facilitates the comprehension of how distinct Chinese attributes coalesce with Global characteristics (Pow, 2012).
In light of this scenario, the research endeavour commences with a detailed examination of concrete cases. Its primary objectives are to delineate the morphogenetic characteristics inherent to the contemporary "New town" in China and to proffer analytical and theoretical tools for re-design, re-using and re-generation. These hypotheses consider the delicate equilibrium between the imperatives of modernisation and the profound regard for tradition.
The morphogenetic methodology is centred on the theoretical foundations born in the Italian school of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, on which the international morphogenetic actual discipline is informed. This approach emphasises an interdisciplinary and multicultural perspective and draws inspiration from historical experiences of urban design and regeneration. The Italian approach to urban design has always revolved around the delicate balance between tradition and innovation (Riondino, 2014). It departs from the international language promoted by the Modern Movement, respecting different cultural and geographical identities and proposing a new form of modernity adaptable to the context (Tafuri, Dal Co 1977).
Deeply rooted in this "urban morphogenetic" tradition, the Levante Waterfront project in Genoa represents a unique opportunity to transform the city with the primary objective of reconstructing its formative and transformative processes. In this context, Renzo Piano’s 'urban mending' approach represents an act of profound understanding of the existing urban fabric. Much like a skilled tailor who artfully reassembles fabric fragments, the skilled hand of the architect reconstruct seemingly lost patterns, restoring their meaning and harmonising city sections with their inherent connection to the sea.
At the centre of this urban tailoring operation lies the Urban Park, a vital connection between the city and the port. This space, conceived as an environment that merges minerals and vegetation, acts as the hub of urban regeneration, opening vistas towards the sea and creating a sense of an "urban beach." Its elevated position within the urban fabric not only integrates it with the surrounding landscape but also offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
The denaturalisation of Piazzale Kennedy represents another significant step towards the renewed relationship between the city and the sea. This intervention creates better integration between the urban area and the mouth of the Bisagno River. It accentuates the transition towards the Urban Park and the waterfront, strengthening the bond between Genoa and its maritime environment.
The Seaside Promenade and panoramic elevator serve as vital links, allowing residents and visitors to explore the city and fully enjoy its coastal beauty. These elements not only improve cycling and pedestrian mobility but also contribute to strengthening Genoa's coastal identity, making the sea accessible to all.
The visual transparency of the parallel "sentinel" buildings is particularly significant. With their transparent and open ground floors, they emphasise the lightness of the volumes and create a strong visual connection between the city and the sea. These buildings, suspended as if floating on the ground, represent icons of modernity and architectural innovation, symbols of a city embracing the future without forgetting its past.
The Levante Waterfront project in Genoa represents an excellent example of urban regeneration and enhancement of the coastal landscape. Through a careful fusion of tradition and innovation, the waterfront becomes not only a transitional space between the city and the sea but also a place of gathering and discovery, celebrating the unique identity of Genoa and its rich maritime history.
In conclusion, the research approach of Renzo Piano endeavors to seamlessly blend the classical Italian morphogenetic discourse with a technological component that transcends mere performance. Mies van der Rohe famously described architecture as "constructive clarity brought to its exact expression.” Likewise, Renzo Piano's architectural vision stands as a paradigm in which technical gestures are elevated to a level of pure "beauty."
In the early years of the 21st century, the Government of the People's Republic of China embarked on a bold mission, unveiling a visionary plan to construct 20 new cities annually for the subsequent two decades. This initiative led to the development of approximately 400 new cities by 2020, as documented by Fang and Yu (2016) and Shepard (2015). This transformative process has wrought profound alterations in the interplay between central cities and their surrounding environs. Additionally, it marks a transition from an erstwhile landscape characterised by scattered industrial satellite towns, predominantly devoted to rural agricultural pursuits, to one distinguished by the emergence of suburban New Towns. These developments contribute significantly to the evolution of a coherent global city-region. (Wu 2016).
Today, the economic landscape and prospects have undergone profound changes, necessitating a thoughtful response to the intricate challenge of managing and potentially divesting or regenerating an extensive inventory of structures. This challenge unfolds against the backdrop of shifting economic conditions, a rapid evolution in the nation's population, and the evolving dynamics of the construction industry.
Addressing this issue necessitates adopting a revised "cosmopolitan approach", which facilitates the comprehension of how distinct Chinese attributes coalesce with Global characteristics (Pow, 2012).
In light of this scenario, the research endeavour commences with a detailed examination of concrete cases. Its primary objectives are to delineate the morphogenetic characteristics inherent to the contemporary "New town" in China and to proffer analytical and theoretical tools for re-design, re-using and re-generation. These hypotheses consider the delicate equilibrium between the imperatives of modernisation and the profound regard for tradition.
The morphogenetic methodology is centred on the theoretical foundations born in the Italian school of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, on which the international morphogenetic actual discipline is informed. This approach emphasises an interdisciplinary and multicultural perspective and draws inspiration from historical experiences of urban design and regeneration. The Italian approach to urban design has always revolved around the delicate balance between tradition and innovation (Riondino, 2014). It departs from the international language promoted by the Modern Movement, respecting different cultural and geographical identities and proposing a new form of modernity adaptable to the context (Tafuri, Dal Co 1977).
Deeply rooted in this "urban morphogenetic" tradition, the Levante Waterfront project in Genoa represents a unique opportunity to transform the city with the primary objective of reconstructing its formative and transformative processes. In this context, Renzo Piano’s 'urban mending' approach represents an act of profound understanding of the existing urban fabric. Much like a skilled tailor who artfully reassembles fabric fragments, the skilled hand of the architect reconstruct seemingly lost patterns, restoring their meaning and harmonising city sections with their inherent connection to the sea.
At the centre of this urban tailoring operation lies the Urban Park, a vital connection between the city and the port. This space, conceived as an environment that merges minerals and vegetation, acts as the hub of urban regeneration, opening vistas towards the sea and creating a sense of an "urban beach." Its elevated position within the urban fabric not only integrates it with the surrounding landscape but also offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
The denaturalisation of Piazzale Kennedy represents another significant step towards the renewed relationship between the city and the sea. This intervention creates better integration between the urban area and the mouth of the Bisagno River. It accentuates the transition towards the Urban Park and the waterfront, strengthening the bond between Genoa and its maritime environment.
The Seaside Promenade and panoramic elevator serve as vital links, allowing residents and visitors to explore the city and fully enjoy its coastal beauty. These elements not only improve cycling and pedestrian mobility but also contribute to strengthening Genoa's coastal identity, making the sea accessible to all.
The visual transparency of the parallel "sentinel" buildings is particularly significant. With their transparent and open ground floors, they emphasise the lightness of the volumes and create a strong visual connection between the city and the sea. These buildings, suspended as if floating on the ground, represent icons of modernity and architectural innovation, symbols of a city embracing the future without forgetting its past.
The Levante Waterfront project in Genoa represents an excellent example of urban regeneration and enhancement of the coastal landscape. Through a careful fusion of tradition and innovation, the waterfront becomes not only a transitional space between the city and the sea but also a place of gathering and discovery, celebrating the unique identity of Genoa and its rich maritime history.
In conclusion, the research approach of Renzo Piano endeavors to seamlessly blend the classical Italian morphogenetic discourse with a technological component that transcends mere performance. Mies van der Rohe famously described architecture as "constructive clarity brought to its exact expression.” Likewise, Renzo Piano's architectural vision stands as a paradigm in which technical gestures are elevated to a level of pure "beauty."
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 14 Mar 2024 |
