Jewel on the crown – cultural buildings in an inclusive community
Since the open-door policy was implemented in 1978, the upsurge of urbanization has engulfed the country. The urbanization increased from 18% of 1978 to 60% of 2019. In a period of 40 years, 600 million people moved from rural areas to towns. The towns in China attempt to satisfy the basic needs of their residents, for example affordable housing, easily accessed public transportation and sanitation. Moreover, towns are finding ways to provide safe, inclusive and barrier-free public facilities and green space.
Even in the stringent years of planned economy, China tried to build some brief cinemas, workers' clubs and auditoriums while feeding its citizens. Those public buildings were partly for educating the people. When the market economy took the lead, the provincial and municipal governments initiated theaters, museums, science museums and youth center which are compatible with its economic development level. After 20 years accumulations, local governments had well prepared. The construction of cultural mega-structure erupted in the beginning of the 21st century.
In the first 20 years of the 21st century, more than 400 grand theaters were built or renovated in China. A grand theater usually consists of 2 to 4 performing halls – opera house, concert hall and studio theater. Grand theaters stand together with newly built libraries, art galleries and museums, which form a new townscape in CBD or cultural district. From Shanghai Grand Theater completed in 1998, the design of grand theaters and other cultural buildings was mostly obtained from international design competition. The injection of overseas ideas changes the path of Chinese architecture. If cultural buildings are crown of a city, grand theater is no doubt pearl on the crown.
Grand Theater Urbanism – Chinese cities in the 21st century aims to record the architectural design skills and discover how these theaters influence urban design and people's life. Considering the vastness of the country, we choose 10 cities, and hope to reflect the situation of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tier cities. These cities are located in different parts of China, and their main theaters were designed by architects from various countries. 10 cities can be posed in five pairs: Beijing-Shanghai, Guangzhou-Shenzhen, Chongqing-Zhengzhou, Taiyuan-Wuxi, Taichung- Hong Kong.
We particularly pay attention on cities in the 2nd and 3rd tiers. Mega-structure cultural buildings in these cities are more treasured. Limited investment can display larger role for enhancing the living quality and city's confidence. The authors investigate performing art buildings in different historical periods, their birth, growth and death in various situations and how cultural production, building and people interacting. Chapters cover the valuable history, contemporary opportunity, ideas of stakeholders and intentions of designers.
More world population will move to city. According to the sustainable development goal of the United Nations, cities and communities should be constructed to be "inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". The erection and operation of cultural buildings can accommodate culture of past and current, east and west. A city will sustain by well keeping its diverse arts, culture and tradition. Grand theater makes city's life better.
Biography : Qiuli (Charlie) Xue
Dr. Charlie Xue teaches architecture at City University of Hong Kong. He has authored 14 monograph and edited books and over 100 academic articles. His research is mainly on modern Chinese architecture and high-density design.
