202223-ARCH723 - Thesis: Design
[ Harmonizing Modern Cities with Ancient Wisdom: A Feng Shui Approach ] Yiqing Xu 201649991 SUPERVISOR Asterios Agkathidis Yat Shun Kei
Acknowledgement Time flew by in the blink of an eye over the course of a year, and it feels like just a year ago when I first set foot on the campus of the University of Liverpool, where I had the privilege of meeting ASTERIOS and Juliana. Together, we embarked on numerous journeys and created countless shared memories. I consider myself incredibly fortunate. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to ASTERIOS for his dedicated guidance. He provided invaluable advice on every detail of the project, inspiring me and offering valuable references. I also want to express my appreciation to Juliana for her unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey. Both of these mentors have been instrumental in my academic and professional growth, especially considering the broad scope of my field of study. The sense of accomplishment upon completing the entire project is overwhelming and will remain an unforgettable experience throughout my life. Moreover, the learning methods and perspectives I acquired during the exchange with these two mentors will undoubtedly benefit my future career. They have been with me every step of the way, from the very beginning to the conclusion of my master's journey.
PREFACE In addition to scientific theories, in China, there is a rich heritage of wisdom that extends to various aspects of life, including residential spaces, commercial establishments, and financial centers. This wisdom has been passed down through generations, sometimes even recorded on ancient tortoise shells, providing methods to make our living and business spaces more sensible. However, with the construction of an increasing number of high-rise office buildings and financial towers, the pursuit of better locations, layouts, and architectural designs often leads us to overlook the residential areas that once coexisted alongside these towering structures. Therefore, I embarked on a journey to delve into ancient Chinese Feng Shui theories, delving into ancient texts like the "I Ching" and conducting investigations in Shanghai, a modern and rapidly developing international city. Shanghai serves as a quintessential example of urban growth. My aim is to apply the principles of Chinese Feng Shui to rectify the existing shortcomings within the city. I also plan to utilize computer modeling and other techniques to refine urban planning, ultimately achieving sustainable development and a more rational urban design. This is the primary motivation and objective of my research, aiming to integrate traditional wisdom with modern scientific theories to guide the future of urban development.
CONTENT ABSTRACT CASE STUDY
01.LVGEM Baishizhou 02.The Hutong neighbourhood grammar: A procedural modelling approach to unravel the rationale of historical Beijing urban structure
BACKGROUND 01.Feng Shui/Qi City data analysis Feng Shui stories in Shanghai
SITE RESEARCH Feng shui theory and zoning of the site The unreasonableness of the site
SITE ANALYSIS Street scene analysis Spatial syntax
DESIGN STRATEGY Model development process Further optimisation---road
PROJECT Exploded view City master plan City details display
ABSTRACT The evolution of modern society revolves around urban development. However, many cities lack the geographical features traditionally associated with Feng Shui principles, such as mountains and water bodies. Nevertheless, through slight modifications and innovation, we can still find applications of classical Feng Shui in contemporary cities. The specific objective of this research is to explore regional planning and design based on Feng Shui theory in the rapidly developing city of Shanghai. Our aim is to integrate Feng Shui principles into the layout of urban areas and adhere to these principles in the presentation to the transient population. In Shanghai, a thriving commercial hub, many business site selections consider Feng Shui factors. For instance, two of Shanghai's iconic buildings, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Shanghai Tower, have intriguing Feng Shui stories behind their establishment. However, the rise of high-rise buildings may disrupt the Feng Shui patterns of traditional low-density residential areas, conflicting with Feng Shui theory and potentially impacting people's physical and psychological well-being. Therefore, this becomes one of our key research directions. The overall framework of this study consists of three parts. The first part emphasizes the importance of Feng Shui theory in urban planning and design. The second part delves into the irrationality of current site selection practices, especially in the context of high-rise buildings. The third part focuses on the overall design of urban layouts based on Feng Shui theory, aiming to seek better integration of traditional Feng Shui principles in the modern urban environment.
CASE STUDY 01|LVGEM Baishizhou Introducing Sustainable Urban Living Patterns: The Greenview Baishizhou Development Project introduces sustainable urban living patterns into a high-density, mixed-use vertical city, creating a new community with over 2.3 million square meters of residential development. Multifunctional Block Design: The project is divided into several independent blocks, integrating residential, retail, and public facilities, with commercial towers outlining the skyline. This multifunctional design promotes community diversity. Pedestal and Public Life: The project's pedestal, through ground-level streets, pathways, courtyards, pedestrian bridges, and elevated public layers, creates a vibrant public life space for the community. Public Transportation System: The project includes an advanced public transportation system connected to the subway system, supporting sustainable travel. The project encourages the use of public transportation and reduces private car usage.
Incorporating these key points from the case study into my project, "Revamping a Commercial and Residential Area in the City with Feng Shui Theory as the Primary Foundation," the following considerations can be applied: Multifunctional Design: Similar to the Greenview Baishizhou project, my project can consider integrating commercial and residential areas to create a multifunctional urban zone, offering a more diverse experience. Pedestal and Public Life: Emphasize the design of the project's base to promote public life and vitality within the community. Ensure that there is ample public space and connectivity to support community interaction. Sustainable Transportation: Explore sustainable transportation solutions, encourage residents to use public transit, and reduce private car usage to improve both transportation and the environment. Future-Oriented Approach: Learn from the Greenview Baishizhou project's forward-thinking infrastructure and technology, ensuring that my project remains competitive and attractive in the future.
CASE STUDY 02|The Hutong neighbourhood grammar: A procedural modelling approach to unravel the rationale of historical Beijing urban structure The case study focuses on the historic and culturally significant urban spaces known as "hutong" neighborhoods, which reflect traditional Chinese lifestyles and philosophies. These hutong neighborhoods are part of China's national heritage, and there is a growing interest in their preservation and revitalization, as many of them are at risk of being forgotten. The study presents a form-based grammar for generating hutong neighborhoods. It uses historical maps, particularly the "Qianlong Jingcheng Quantu" (Complete Map of the Capital Beijing During the Qianlong Reign), to explore the traditional principles of urban planning in ancient Beijing. These principles are then extracted to establish a programmatic modeling framework, revealing the evolution of Beijing's urban structure from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The research results propose a grammar incorporated into a programmatic modeling framework to parametrically generate hutong communities, replicating the morphological characteristics of historical cases. This approach aids in understanding the generation of hutong neighborhoods.
This case study yields several valuable conclusions: Parametric Modeling: Parametric modeling, exemplified by the programming modeling framework in this case, can be employed in my project to craft flexible design solutions rooted in Feng Shui principles. This enables dynamic adjustments and adaptability. Sustainability: The study underscores the importance of heritage sustainability. In my project, it is crucial to consider the integration of sustainable development measures that align with Feng Shui principles, ensuring the long-term viability and appeal of the transformed commercial and residential areas. In summary, this case study demonstrates how computational design methods can be used to analyze, comprehend, and rejuvenate historic urban spaces. These methods can be instrumental in incorporating Feng Shui principles into my urban renewal project.
BACKGROUND|Feng Shui/Qi Feng Shui finds its origins in the meticulous observation of natural elements such as mountains, rivers, soil, rocks, as well as the growth and transformation of vegetation including grass, trees, and jungles. It also takes into account meteorological phenomena like wind, rain, lightning, and other celestial changes, all guided by objective laws. This practice seeks to harmonize these natural forces with the element of luck and misfortune avoidance, ultimately determining the most suitable positions and orientations for survival and settlement. Over time, the distinct Feng Shui theory of China was meticulously developed through continuous collection and synthesis of knowledge. Feng Shui has since become an integral component of traditional Chinese culture, deeply ingrained in the architectural theory system that has evolved over thousands of years. This enduring practice has withstood the test of time and continues to exert a profound influence on people's daily lives. According to Feng Shui concept, the aura of the environment has a larger or lesser influence on the physiology and psychology of humans. However, all types of architectural spaces skillfully designed by humans will perform under the impact of various "environmental qi fields." varied forms of architectural space will also have a varied "environmental aura" depending on how their "destiny" is interpreted. This is, in reality, the impact of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is concerned with the harmonious interaction that exists between people and structures in the natural world, as well as the surrounding surroundings. The natural world's harmonious interaction between people and buildings, as well as the surrounding environment.
From a contemporary standpoint, Qi can be comprehended as a composite indicator encompassing elements such as the site, architecture, the natural surroundings, and the perceptual factors of individuals. Furthermore, when viewed from a psychological angle, it represents an individual's self-feedback in response to a specific environment or the resulting spiritual ambiance that ensues.
BACKGROUND|City data analysis According to the 7th Census data, the population growth rate of Hongkou District in the last ten years from 2010 to 2020 is -11.14%
Despite its high population density, it ranks low in GDP among other districts
Due to a significant revitalization effort, Hongkou District is currently undergoing a massive urban renewal project. Officially released data indicates that in 2022, this initiative encompassed the renovation and redevelopment of approximately 653,100 square meters of dilapidated housing. Furthermore, a total of 26,125 residents have enrolled in the old reform program. The majority of the demolitions have been concentrated in the North Sichuan Road and North Bund areas. Compared to several other urban areas in Shanghai, Hongkou District boasts the second-highest population density. Within its boundaries, Hongkou still grapples with a significant number of aging neighborhoods characterized by numerous low-rise old houses. This situation may exert some influence on the overall urban landscape and living environment of the area, leading to a trend where some young individuals are gradually opting to relocate elsewhere.
Feng Shui practices in urban areas are more commonly associated with commercial buildings, with some of the most renowned Feng Shui incidents occurring in iconic structures like the HSBC Bank in Hong Kong and the Shanghai Centre Building. In the city of Shanghai, Feng Shui principles are more evident in its urban landscape. However, certain areas of the city have experienced suboptimal economic performance due to primarily man-made factors such as industrial pollution and traffic congestion. Consequently, the GDP of these specific regions has not reached its full potential.
BACKGROUND|Feng Shui stories in Shanghai
Let's tell a Feng Shui story that starts with the management of the Huangpu River. The Huangpu River is considered the main dragon, flowing directly into the mouth of the Yangtze River. There is also a secondary dragon, the Wusong River, later known as the Suzhou River, which serves as a tributary. In the past, during the rainy season, frequent floods posed a significant challenge to the livelihoods of the people. Lin Zexu, a renowned official of the Qing Dynasty, directed his attention to the flood issues in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The significance of the Wusong River's waterways can be seen in part through the long scroll painting titled 'Prosperity in Gusu.' However, effective Feng Shui must be utilized as well. It appears that Shanghai has done this to the best of its ability and couldn't have done it better. They've achieved this by implementing a clear, detailed, and precise layout, designating specific industries for each area, and making the most of the convergence of these two dragons. In the last century, with its abundance of skyscrapers, Shanghai became a symbol of prosperity. This is a Feng Shui story about how a city harnessed the dragon veins of its waterways to achieve prosperity and success.
SITE RESEARCH
Community-based businesses, including small establishments such as restaurants, supermarkets, and department stores catering to a 1-kilometer radius, used to dominate the market more than a decade ago. However, this traditional commerce model has become increasingly inadequate. The commercial landscape has evolved significantly. Nowadays, shopping malls serve not only as retail spaces but also as vibrant hubs for leisure, social gatherings, and family-oriented activities. In Shanghai alone, there are over 500 diverse commercial entities, including supermarket outlets. Among these, shopping centers, department stores, and outlets have emerged as the primary drivers of customer footfall and revenue generation in the business districts. Nevertheless, given the evolving consumer environment and shifting demands, there is potential for innovative business models and commercial dynamics to emerge within Shanghai's historical and cultural neighborhoods, such as Henfu, Xintiandi, Yuyuan Road, Jufu Chang, Bundyuan, and other areas with rich historical and cultural significance. These locales have shown promising signs of transformation and growth.
SITE RESEARCH|Feng shui theory and zoning of the site
Based on Feng Shui theory combined with site selection analysis:
To Qian with the sky, Kun with the earth, Dui with the lake, Li with the fire, Zhen with the thunder, Xun with the wind, Kan with the water, Gen with the mountains, the sky and the earth is inferior to the sky, the sky is in the upper, in the south, the four hexagrams composed of lines of the Yang in the left,Sequentially anticlockwise from Qian to Dui, Dui to Li, Li to Zhen arranged out; Kun in the bottom, in the north of the Yin lines produced by the Sundance, Kan, Burgundy, Kun four hexagrams from the right clockwise direction, from the Qian to the Xun, Xun to the Kan, Kan to the , Gen to the Kun arranged out, which produces the eight trigrams of the first day of the eight diagrams, the first day of the eight diagrams. According to legend, the saint of the Zhou dynasty Zhou Wenwang painted the "eight trigrams of the king," which belongs to the eight trigrams of the event, to Qian for the father, Kun for the mother, Zhen for the eldest son, Xun for the eldest daughter, Kan for the middle son, Li for the middle daughter, Gen for the younger son, Dui for the younger daughter.
This gives birth to the third set of gossip numbers, namely the number of gossip in the latter day: Qian 6, Dui 7, Li 9, Zhen 3, Xun 4, Kan 1, Gen 8, Kun 2.
Based on the division of Shanghai's main and secondary streets into small grid blocks, from the market building that flourished a few years ago to the current redevelopment of the two vacant lots around the building as the main design point, and according to the theory of feng shui eight trigrams, so that the design radiates out of the nine grid blocks.
SITE RESEARCH
Based on the main and secondary streets of Shanghai divided into small grid blocks, from the market building that flourished a few years ago to the current redevelopment of the two vacant lots around the building as the main design point, and according to the theory of feng shui eight trigrams, so as to radiate out of the nine grid blocks for the design.
SITE ANALYSIS|The unreasonableness of the site According to the bane feng shui theory, the flow of chi was stopped owing to the two high buildings immediately in front of the market's façade because of the original market's placement.
SITE ANALYSIS|Street scene analysis
There are three typical distributions of surrounding neighbourhoods
1: Densely packed old neighbourhoods, each unit is about 100 square metres and most of the occupants are elderly people
2: Also residential, but the ground floor is occupied by locally owned shops and minimalist companies, inside a residential neighbourhood that is largely devoid of business.
The design team included existing public transport options in the North Bund region, including as rail, bus, and passenger ferry systems, and established a bus hub on the building podium's north side. At the same time, the building incorporates underground entrances and exits, 3: A building in a residential neighbourhood withu n d e r g r o u n d g a r a g e e n t r a n c e s a n d e x i t s , i n t e r n e t / t a x i p a r k i n g a n d w a i t i n g a r e a s a n d b i c y c l e old office buildings across the street and low-parking areas, greatly improving the efficiency of transfers between public transportation systems. rise convenience stores and other shops next to it.
SITE ANALYSIS|Spatial syntax Original route map of the neighborhood
(original path) Relying on Depthmap spatial syntax software to calculate the spatial model, the spatial feature data are generated to produce visualisation graphics.
(connectivity) Red - the road with the highest connection value Blue - road with the lowest connection value
(Integration Index) Integration Index is the most commonly used and effective indicator of the centrality of a space in relation to other urban spaces among the many spatial analysis techniques of spatial syntax, indicating the degree of clustering or dispersion of a space in the system with other spaces.
(Step depth) In general, urban spatial systems are opening up, and areas with a more optimised spatial structure and lower values of urban spatial depth are conducive to economic activity and natural prosperity.
Analyzing the most suitable locations for urban redevelopment using spatial syntax involves considering two key factors: Integration of Spatial Axes: This reflects how a space interacts with other areas in terms of agglomeration and connectivity. It indicates the centrality of a space within the city. Connectivity: This refers to the number of intersections between axes. Higher connectivity suggests stronger connections between different areas and can enhance spatial cohesion. By evaluating these factors, we can identify the most deserving locations for urban redevelopment, which are typically those with high integration and good connectivity.
Design Strategy Incorporating Feng Shui into urban design can manifest in various aspects within the city. Here are some examples:
Dragon Veins and City Skylines: The intended paths of dragon veins can be correlated with the contours of the city skyline. By selecting or adjusting the positions and heights of high-rise buildings, a layout that adheres to Feng Shui principles can be created within the city. For instance, some structures may be designed to mimic the alignment of dragon veins to bring prosperity and balance. Water Elements and Urban Landscapes: Water elements hold a significant place in Feng Shui. Cities can plan and preserve lakes, rivers, fountains, and water features to introduce water elements into the urban environment, enhancing aesthetics while improving the atmosphere.
Directions and Road Planning: The importance of directions in Feng Shui theory can be reflected in the city's road planning. Some cities might plan major roads or urban axes based on Feng Shui directional principles to facilitate better energy flow and balance. Landscape Design and Greenery: Feng Shui theory is also related to the landscape design and green spaces within the city. Choosing vegetation and landscape elements that align with Feng Shui principles can elevate the overall ambiance of the city and promote relaxation for its inhabitants. Building Orientation and Layout: Within the city, building orientations and layouts can be designed in accordance with Feng Shui principles. This may include ensuring that building entrances face auspicious directions or incorporating Feng Shui principles into the interior layout of buildings to enhance their overall energy.
Design Strategy|Model development process Based on Feng Shui theory diagrams from ancient books, the urban design is divided into nine grids. There are mountains to the north and rivers to the south, with the sides varying in height to create balance. Here are the key design points: U s i n g D i g i t a l M o d e l i n g To o l s : W i t h s o f t w a r e l i k e Grasshopper or other digital modeling tools, you can create a digital model of the city's terrain and simulate the undulations of mountains. This can be achieved by adjusting the height and positioning of high-rise buildings. Distribution of High-Rises: Based on the morphology of mountains in Feng Shui theory, you can modify the distribution of high-rise buildings in the city to replicate the undulating and diverse characteristics of mountains.
Form of High-Rises: Design the shape of highrise buildings to capture the lively, ever-changing, and flexible attributes of mountains. Consider incorporating various architectural styles and heights to mimic the variations found in mountain ranges.
Design Strategy|Further optimisation---road The generation of these lines is based on simple architectural principles while incorporating elements of Feng Shui theory. The primary design language revolves around symmetry and parallelism. Firstly, the green line represents the main thoroughfare, which has been thoughtfully designed as the primary pathway for automobiles. This design takes into account traffic flow and convenience to ensure that vehicles can move smoothly, aligning with essential considerations in modern urban planning. Secondly, the blue line serves as a secondary pathway, guiding vehicles into the interior of the building. This design is inspired by Feng Shui theory, where symmetry and parallelism are regarded as auspicious elements. It also provides a safe and pleasant pedestrian area, harmoniously combining with the fluidity and tranquility found in nature. In summary, this design language merges modern urban planning with Feng Shui theory, creating a practical and aesthetically pleasing urban environment that allows for unimpeded vehicular traffic and peaceful strolls in a serene setting.
PROJECT|Exploded view
Symbolic Significance of Water: In Feng Shui theory, water symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Introducing rivers into urban design signifies the flow of prosperity and good fortune in the city. Ecological Balance: Integrating rivers improves the city's ecological balance by providing water sources that support vegetation growth. This enhances the urban ecosystem, improving air quality and the overall environment. Guidance of Energy Flow: Rivers influence the flow of energy, aligning with Feng Shui principles. This helps regulate the city's energy flow, ensuring positive energy convergence and enhancing urban harmony. Enhancement of Urban Landscape: Rivers contribute to the natural beauty of the city, making it more appealing. They create pleasant environments for leisure and recreation, enriching the cityscape. Cultural Heritage: Rivers are often linked to cultural heritage in Feng Shui. By incorporating rivers, urban design can preserve and celebrate local history and culture. Balancing Energy: Feng Shui seeks energy balance. Introducing rivers helps balance positive and negative energies in the city, fostering a harmonious living and working environment.
PROJECT|COMPARISON CHART BETWEEN OLD AND NEW Enhancing Energy Flow: Applying Feng Shui principles to utilize vacant spaces in the old city can improve the flow of positive energy, enhancing residents' quality of life. Reshaping Urban Layout: With Feng Shui theory, it's possible to redesign the streets and buildings in the old city to create a more favorable living and working environment. This involves adjusting building orientations, heights, and positions to improve Feng Shui harmony. Boosting Community Vitality: Properly utilizing vacant spaces can bring new community activities and business opportunities to the old city, attracting more residents and investments, thereby fostering community revitalization.
NEW EXISTED
PROJECT|City master plan
PROJECT|City details display