Recently, Guangzhou's Pantangwuyue Micro Renovation Project was shortlisted for the WA City Regeneration Award 2020, according to the World Architecture Awards for Chinese Architecture (WAACA). It is the only shortlisted project in Guangzhou.
Photo: Zhongguo Guangzhou Fabu (中国广州发布), official WeChat account of Guangzhou's cyberspace administration
As a Chinese independent architecture award with international influence, WAACA was established by the World Architecture Magazine in 2002 and is assessed every two years. The WA City Regeneration Award is set for public projects that have made an outstanding contribution to the urban environment and city life.
Pantangwuyue historical community in Liwan District, with a history of over 900 years, retains the complete rural layout and features of the Qing Dynasty. Since 2017, Guangzhou has been implementing the project for the restoration of this historical community, and now it glows with new vitality.
Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu (广州荔湾发布), official WeChat account of Liwan District's publicity department
Based on the overall structure of the historical buildings there, the project has protected and restored the original public area to keep the cultural charm and established new plazas and pocket parks in the community. The environment, infrastructure and public service facilities have all been further improved.
In addition, Guangzhou has strengthened the protection, utilization, publicity and display of intangible cultural heritage in Pantangwuyue historical community, and retained traditions and folk activities such as the lion dance. The project has also set up a creative space to display and experience Xiguan (present-day Liwan District)'s traditional crafts, integrating cultural heritage and tourism.
It's also important to note the community involvement in this project, Guangzhou established a workshop to collect residents' ideas about the renovation project, so that people can join together to build a community that meets their needs.
Author: Holly
Editor: Wing, Olivia, Monica, Jerry
