The master planning and re-designing of Beijing’s South Central Axis is a significant step in the city’s efforts toward redistribution of non-capital functions, completion and promotion of a more balanced development of north-south , and sustainment and extension of the Central Axis of Beijing which has its root dated back to the Yuan Dynasty.
This large-scale, strategic urban regeneration project is a joint venture between AECOM and the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design. Under the vision of a “new capital, green park city,” the plan aims to reposition this centrally located district by setting up a holistic infrastructure framework that accommodates future metropolitan connections to both the Beijing New Airport and Xiong’An New Area. At the same time, it restores the former cultural and ecological significance of Nanyuan Park at the southern end of the axis.
The “Beijing Urban Master Plan (2016-2035)” designates the South Central Axis as an ecological, cultural and development axis. In response to this, AECOM’s master plan is structured around the concepts of “Axis of Civic Projects, Ecological Urban Park Environment, and Pedestrian-rich Network.” The axis of civic projects accommodates new, innovative urban infrastructure as a catalyst for regenerative developments. The Ecological Urban Park Environment is a park design that advocates the concept of natural harmony and explores the value of urban ecological development, while the multi-layer Pedestrian Network provides a new method for future urban operation.
AECOM’s proposal features innovative planning and design concepts including infrastructure-oriented development, multi-layered city, underground public realm, biophilic city and autonomous mobility. All of these concepts add fresh functions to the city area while repositioning the historical South Central Axis as the capital’s newest business district.