Beijing, a city with a rich tapestry of history, has been in a state of transformation for years. From old hutongs to modern skyscrapers, its evolution has sparked a new kind of urban development—one that blends the past with the future. This article explores how the city is navigating the delicate balance between preserving its historical soul and embracing modernity through innovative architecture and urban renewal projects.
The Soul of Old City
Shupei Aoyama, a Japanese architect, first arrived in Beijing 19 years ago, at a time when the city was preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games. As the city rushed toward modernization, Aoyama found himself drawn to the old hutongs and siheyuan, the traditional courtyard houses scattered throughout Beijing's old city. His initial attraction to these historical structures, which served as homes for generations of Beijingers, transformed into a deeper appreciation for the unique communal living experience that hutongs offer.
Aoyama's decision to live in a hutong came after a brief stay in an apartment, where he found himself longing for a more authentic Beijing lifestyle. Moving into a siheyuan in the city's second ring road allowed him to experience a way of life that felt both traditional and futuristic. He observed how the hutong culture fostered shared spaces, where communal living extended into public areas like alleys used for dining, laundry, and even work. Aoyama began to see these shared spaces as a model for future urban living, where public spaces could blend seamlessly into private lives.
In many ways, the renewal of Beijing's old city has become a challenge of balancing the preservation of history with the needs of modern life. Hutongs, which have been the backbone of Beijing's identity for centuries, face the constant threat of being demolished and replaced with high-rise buildings. However, the approach to urban renewal in Beijing has evolved over time, with architects like Aoyama leading projects that focus on revitalizing these historic areas without erasing their cultural essence.
The Fine Line Between Preservation and Modernization
In 2014, Aoyama co-founded B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio with his colleague Yoko Fujii. Their work in Beijing's urban renewal scene gained widespread recognition after they participated in the popular TV show Dream Renovation Home. Aoyama's designs, which aimed to optimize small spaces while maintaining the integrity of the original buildings, resonated with many viewers. His projects, such as the renovation of a 24-square-meter home in Nanluoguxiang, demonstrated how modern conveniences could be incorporated into old Beijing dwellings without sacrificing their historical significance.
Over the past decade, Beijing has focused on two main types of urban renewal: large-scale demolition and reconstruction, and smaller, more targeted upgrades. The latter approach, which has gained momentum in recent years, prioritizes preserving original structures while improving the overall functionality and aesthetic of the area. From the commercial revitalization of Qianmen Dashilar to the cultural transformation of the Shougang industrial site for the Winter Olympics, these projects showcase Beijing's commitment to breathing new life into its historical areas.
In one of his most recent projects, Aoyama worked on renovating a small shop in Sanyuanli Market, a well-known local market in Beijing. The 25-square-meter space was located at the entrance of the market and had great visibility. Aoyama's approach was to seamlessly integrate the design with the surrounding traditional architecture while using coffee culture as a medium to connect the shop with the local community. The result was a unique blend of old and new, where a traditional market setting met modern coffeehouse culture, attracting both older residents and younger generations.
Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Renewal
Urban renewal, particularly in old cities like Beijing, is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Aoyama and other architects face is navigating the complex web of neighborhood relationships. In densely packed hutong communities, where neighbors live in close quarters, even small modifications to a building can spark conflicts. For example, changing the direction of a kitchen exhaust or placing an air conditioning unit in a different spot can lead to disagreements between neighbors, even if the changes comply with building codes.
Aoyama's experience in projects like the White Pagoda Temple Hutong renovation highlighted the delicate balance that must be struck between architectural innovation and maintaining neighborhood harmony. While architects may have the technical skills to solve design challenges, the social aspect of urban renewal often proves to be just as, if not more, difficult to manage.
Another major issue in revitalizing old neighborhoods is the economic sustainability of these areas. Many young people have moved out of Beijing's old city in search of more affordable living conditions in the outer districts, leaving behind an aging population. This demographic shift has caused some parts of the old city to stagnate, as the remaining residents are less likely to support the kinds of businesses and innovations that could bring these areas back to life.
To combat this trend, cultural and commercial activities have been introduced into these areas to attract younger residents and visitors. Projects like Sanyuanli Market, which merges traditional market culture with modern coffee shops, exemplify how diverse business models can rejuvenate old spaces. Yet, Aoyama is quick to acknowledge that no amount of architectural creativity can single-handedly solve the economic issues that plague these old districts. These problems require collaboration between architects, businesses, and community organizations.
Despite the challenges, Aoyama remains optimistic about the future of urban renewal in Beijing. He believes that the key to successful renewal projects lies in dialogue—between architects and their surroundings, between different professional teams, and between the past and future. For Aoyama, designing a space in a historical area is not about imposing his own vision, but rather about listening to what the space itself has to say. In doing so, he hopes to create designs that not only preserve the past but also inspire the future.
