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Hsueh and Zhang Advocate for “Slow Design” in Landscape Architecture Frontiers

Sasaki landscape architect Ming-Jen Hsueh, ASLA, PLA and co-director of Sasaki’s Shanghai office Dou Zhang, ALSA, PLA, LEED AP BD+C, SITES AP unpack the concept of “slow design” in the Chinese publication Landscape Architecture Frontiers. The article, titled “High-Quality Urban Environment out of ‘Slow Design’: Review and Prospect of Urban Design Practices in China,” proposes an approach to improving quality of life in dense, fast-paced cities through mindful development.

Hsueh and Zhang draw inspiration from the Cittaslow movement started in Italy in 1999, which calls for slowing down the overall pace of small towns to improve their quality of life, promote cultural diversity, and protect the environment. “To build such a city,” they argue, “essentially it requires a sustainable model of urban planning and design, which means utilizing the existing resources smartly and setting more detailed agendas in the long run to deal with complexities and uncertainties of the project and avoid a rush for quick construction.”

Hsueh and Zhang cite Sasaki projects that successfully implement these principles: Luohu Streetscape Renovation, Wuhu City Urban Renewal, and Xuhui Runway Park exhibit thoughtful urban regeneration practices; Jiading Central Park demonstrates successful partnership with the government in collecting post-occupancy feedback; and the Shenzhen Pingshan Riverwalk considers the impact of technology on urban life.

Read the full article here.

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