Summary of Key Points
The traditional model of urban renewal, which relied on large-scale demolition and reconstruction followed by land sales, has reached its limits. Land resources are scarce, and this approach has resulted in fragmented cities with separate residential, industrial, and commercial areas that lack a sense of community and are not conducive to innovation. Future urban renewal must focus on people: by transforming spaces, we can facilitate better communication and stimulate creativity, ultimately creating cities that attract and retain talent.
1. Land-based finance is no longer effective; urban renewal needs a new approach
For decades, urban renewal largely meant demolishing old buildings and selling the land to build new high-rises. This model worked during rapid urbanization, but it’s no longer feasible:
- Lack of land: There is less land available for demolition, and spatial expansion has reached its limits.
- Cities have become cold, impersonal containers: Residential, industrial, and commercial areas are isolated from each other, leading to congested public transport systems (such as the subway) and limited opportunities for interaction.
- Evaluation criteria have changed: The focus is no longer on how much land is demolished or how many buildings are constructed; instead, cities are judged by their ability to attract and retain talent.
In short, while in the past, revenue came from selling land, in the future, it will come from retaining talent—the tax revenue, creativity, and brand value that talented individuals bring.
2. Why focus on people? Three fundamental changes compel this shift
The need to prioritize people is not a matter of choice; it’s due to changing times. Failing to do so means no future:
- Changing production models: Traditional manufacturing relies on assembly lines, while modern industries (such as design and research and development) require frequent interactions and brainstorming. Urban spaces should transform from being mere containers for people into places where ideas can be exchanged (e.g., cafes and small parks that facilitate encounters between entrepreneurs and programmers).
- Urban finance depends on people: Land sales may generate short-term profits, but the creativity and spending power of residents are infinitely more valuable. For example, a neighborhood with talented individuals can generate steady tax revenue and boost local economies.
- Industrial upgrading requires people: High-end industries (like R&D and finance) tend to concentrate in city centers. What these industries need are vibrant environments where employees can enjoy convenient access to amenities like cafes and cultural activities.
These three changes highlight that the true asset of a city is its people, not just its physical infrastructure.
3. How to focus on people? Create three “vital hubs”
Focusing on people means transforming cities into networks that attract them. Specifically, we need to establish three types of hubs:
- Talent hubs: Places where talent wants to stay. For example, London’s Kings Cross neighborhood was once an abandoned industrial area. During renewal, they didn’t rush to build office buildings but instead created a canal park and converted old gas storage tanks into an art park, attracting companies like Google, LV, and Universal Music.
- Industrial service hubs: Cities should serve as the “brains” of their industries. For instance, manufacturing plants can be relocated to the suburbs while retaining high-end services (R&D and finance) in the city center. Old buildings can be converted into spaces for professional services (design studios, consulting firms) that facilitate collaboration.
- Consumption hubs: These should create environments where consumption becomes a platform for social interaction and innovation. For example, Chengdu’s REGULAR Yuanye transformed an underground plaza into a space with independent cafes and craft bars; Shanghai’s Shangsheng New Center converted old villas into a bookstore and an open-air swimming pool, becoming popular places for young people to gather and test new ideas.
4. How to implement these strategies? Three practical approaches to bring spaces to life
To put the concept of focusing on people into action, we can use the following techniques:
- Transform old assets into new attractions: Don’t demolish all old buildings; instead, use them as platforms for innovation (e.g., Beijing’s Shougang Park, which preserves its industrial heritage and uses it for tech startups).
- Start with small, impactful changes: Begin with small areas to trigger broader transformations. For example, create a small art gallery in a residential street and gradually expand the impact by connecting it with creative workshops and parks.
- Break down functional barriers: Combine office spaces with residential areas. Open-plan parks that integrate art galleries, bookstores, and offices can encourage interactions between different professionals (e.g., designers and programmers).
In conclusion
Future urban renewal is about transforming old spaces into vibrant hubs where people can interact and innovate. Those who place people first will emerge victorious in the competition for a better city. The future of cities ultimately depends on the well-being of their inhabitants.