Crystal City (Building the Future in History)

Author: Wang Shouzhi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: Constructing the future from history, recalling history in the future. In the past two decades, Chinese real estate developers have "created" many new things: more residential communities, more landscapes, and more concepts. But there is one thing that developers cannot create out of thin air—history. — Tianjin Vanke's Shan Xiaohai advocates for the development of cultural heritage (real estate development) that respects the context, which not only requires a sense of responsibility but also skill and creativity. In this regard, Chinese developers, as well as professors and scholars, should put in more thought and effort. — Wang Shi, Chairman of Vanke Group, promotes Vanke's approach in Crystal City, which always generates some echoes. If these echoes can become a force that leads to more protection of our own traditions, including the traditions of the half-century since the liberation, I would be very satisfied. — Wang Shouzhi, Distinguished Professor at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles
In China's rapid urbanization process, the attitude of builders toward the history of the land has become an unavoidable topic. The Vanke project implemented in Tianjin's Glass Factory thus holds universal significance: The distinctive Tianjin-style Wuda Road area and the carefully preserved original appearance of the Glass Factory serve as key elements in Vanke's planning for the residential community. Vanke preserves, contrasts, and overlays, drawing inspiration from the styles and essence of small European towns and the small Western-style villas of Wuda Road, integrating the cultural context of a factory and a city into this residential community. Once, a 670-acre glass factory witnessed the prosperity of Tianjin's industry. Today, a 400,000-square-meter new residential community with historical significance has become the living stage for more families.