{"id":2156,"date":"2026-01-22T04:46:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T04:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/en-cn\/projects\/zhonghai-daji-alley\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T04:18:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T04:18:18","slug":"zhonghai-daji-alley","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/en-cn\/projects\/zhonghai-daji-alley\/","title":{"rendered":"Zhonghai Daji Alley"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Located within Beijing\u2019s Second Ring Road, just a 15\u2011minute bike ride from the Forbidden City, Zhonghai Daji Alley integrates approximately 80,000 square meters of commercial space with 12,000 square meters of open green space. The project reconnects heritage courtyards, hutong alleyways and contemporary workplaces, using the public realm as a catalyst to bridge historic fabric with everyday urban life. The result is an accessible, engaging \u201curban cultural living room\u201d that invites people to gather, linger and connect. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Culture woven into daily life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anchored by three key heritage courtyards, the project adopts a \u201clinking points into lines\u201d strategy that brings cultural memory into the rhythm of daily use. A clear narrative thread runs through the site, expressed through paving patterns, material selections and installations inspired by historical-era maps. These elements preserve the district\u2019s character while giving the place a distinct, legible identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Street\u2011facing building edges are refined to create a more cohesive urban frontage, while native planting softens transitions, enhances seasonal expression and visually unifies the hutong and retail streetscape. Together, these interventions form a walkable, engaging public realm where historic references and contemporary life coexist naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A multi\u2011layered public network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Building on the site\u2019s vertical organization and reconfigured existing spaces, the project establishes a three\u2011tier public network linking ground\u2011level parks, terraced forests and rooftop commercial terraces. This system departs from traditional enclosed retail circulation, introducing a more open, civic character throughout the district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underground retail corridors are reimagined as culturally immersive pedestrian streets, with greenery extending across multiple levels to soften transitions between nature and commercial activity. Previously overlooked under\u2011bridge and sunken spaces are reprogrammed as flexible urban stages, accommodating markets, pop\u2011ups, pet\u2011friendly uses and community gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, these interconnected layers support all\u2011day activation and operational flexibility, enabling nature, commerce and neighborhood life to coexist within a continuous, walkable public realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ecology and low\u2011carbon performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By preserving and reconfiguring the existing tree grid and planting approximately 420 new trees, the project carefully aligns vegetation with sunlight, prevailing winds, sightlines and building setbacks. This approach achieves optimal canopy coverage, spacing and height, forming a continuous, shaded, three\u2011dimensional green network that links ground level, terraces and rooftops. Supported by subtle elevation changes, the system enhances microclimate performance and pedestrian comfort. More than 30 percent native, drought\u2011resistant species reduce irrigation demand and long\u2011term maintenance, supporting low\u2011carbon operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An integrated \u201csolar + landscape\u201d strategy embeds photovoltaics within the Daji Gate, low\u2011carbon garden pavilions and terraced installations to power on\u2011site lighting through a self\u2011sustaining system. These PV elements also function as architectural and artistic features, uniting performance and aesthetics while raising public awareness of renewable energy. In combination with active cooling systems, canopy shade and misting, the design mitigates heat\u2011island effects \u2014 transforming public spaces from merely accessible to genuinely inviting and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Zhonghai Daji Alley demonstrates an inner\u2011city renewal approach that layers heritage narratives, existing assets and multi\u2011scenario operations through the public realm, creating a culturally participatory destination with enduring, everyday appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awards:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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