Kunshan launches Joint-Creation Camp for key urban districts

On Jan. 17 Kunshan held a launch ceremony for a Joint-Creation Camp for key urban districts and released the master plan for the Yushan Historical and Cultural District, naming Deng Dong as chief designer and Ma Yansong as architectural convener.

On Jan. 17 Kunshan held the launch ceremony for its Joint-Creation Camp for key urban districts and the planning release conference for the Yushan Historical and Cultural District. The event followed directives from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and was guided by a "people-centered city" concept. City leaders said the initiative aims to better integrate urban-rural planning, construction, and management while promoting the integration of industry, city, culture, and people. Officials reported a shift toward balancing district renewal with infrastructural development and a focus on preserving local cultural character. Noted details: - The launch ceremony and planning release took place on Jan. 17 and introduced the Joint-Creation Camp for key urban districts. - Deng Dong, vice president of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, was appointed chief designer for the Yushan district renewal. Ma Yansong, founding partner of MAD, was named architectural convener for the Yushan Joint-Creation Camp. - The camp is intended to integrate the Yushan Historical and Cultural District, the Qingyang Future Port · Garden Central Business District, and the Zhengyi Opera Cultural District into a cohesive community. - Chen Liyan, secretary of the CPC Kunshan Committee, outlined five guiding principles: planning-led, market-driven, mechanism-supported, talent-empowered, and long-term oriented, and pledged institutional and policy support for participants in the camp. - The three districts presented joint-creation initiatives, signed partnership agreements with designers, operators, brand curators, and enterprises, and held a roundtable discussion on planning and renewal pathways. Summary: Kunshan says the Joint-Creation Camp is intended to pool planning, design, industry, and governance resources to advance integrated renewal of key districts while retaining cultural heritage. The launch included the Yushan master plan release, leadership appointments, partnership signings, and a roundtable to explore development paths. Undetermined at this time.