In late September, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government organised The World Design Cities Conference (WDCC). The event, now in its third year, is also co-organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This year’s theme was ‘Design Reframing Growth’, seeking to explore a design-driven approach for development that promotes the integration of design into all aspects of urban and daily life. Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai and Shen Haixiong, President of China Media Group, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.
Hassell Managing Director Liz Westgarth was invited to deliver a keynote speech at ‘Her Power’, a forum that was part of WDCC. The forum called upon a wide range of female design leaders across architecture design, planning and engineering, celebrating their achievements and design innovations to set an example and inspire the next generation. Hassell Principal Xun Huang participated in a forum on urban renewal as part of the conference, sharing her observations and insight on urban renewal projects both in Australia and China.
Liz’s speech, titled ‘Designing tomorrow, today – crafting excellence and inspiring change’, included three Hassell projects that reinforce inclusive design that’s central to our practice’s purpose: AMRF in Sydney, Cross River Rail in Brisbane and Hope Village in Tanzania.
The Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) First Building in Sydney places sustainability at its heart — and restores Indigenous Australian culture as the lifeblood of the land.
Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility First Building (AMRF), Sydney, Australia
“Being the first building in a new city – quite a rare occurrence in Australia – we knew that we had a unique opportunity and responsibility to design for inclusivity,” said Liz.
“We collaborated with Djinjama, a First Nations Aboriginal cultural agency, to integrate cultural and environmental considerations deeply into our design. As part of the design process, we connected with Dharug Knowledge Holders, members of an original, native Aboriginal Australian tribe, to understand the cultural significance of this site known as ‘Wianamatta’. In the Dharug language, ‘Wjana’ means ‘Mother Place,’ a location of great importance to women, and ‘Matta’ means ‘Water Place’,” said Liz.
Cross River Rail, Brisbane, Australia
Cross River Rail in Brisbane is a major infrastructure project that prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring the stations and precincts serve all users. We worked closely with a Diversity and Accessibility Reference Group made up of individuals with diverse needs, to ensure that the design responded to real-world challenge.
Insight | Nothing about us without us: Cross River Rail’s legacy of inclusive design
Hope Village in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania provides a safe and nurturing environment for up to 480 vulnerable girls and young women, offering them an escape from poverty and abuse.
Hope Village Community Building, One Heart Tanzania
“The Community Building at the centre of Hope Village showcases our commitment to sustainable innovation via advanced construction techniques. We’re integrating 3D-printed earth into our design for the building, a method that leverages local materials for environmental benefits, including reduced energy consumption and improved recyclability,” said Liz.
Liz’s speech also drew on a number of our recent city-shaping projects in Shanghai – West Bund Waterfront Public Realm and Park Avenue Central. She also spoke about First Light Pavilion in UK, Harbourside in Sydney and Adam Smith Building in Glasgow which illustrate how our studio approaches future-focused design through innovation and diverse, inclusive values.
Park Avenue Central, Shanghai, China
Adam Smith Building, University of Glasgow, UK
Hassell Principal Xun Huang also participated in a forum on urban renewal as part of the conference, she spoke about how Australia, with its abundant natural landscape resources, prioritises ecological environmental protection at the early stages of projects.
“All our projects at Hassell include a ‘Regenerative design review’ phase to ensure the project is designed with sustainability and social value principals in mind,” Xun said.
“Diverse collaboration between the market, government, community and people is crucial in urban renewal and sustainable development. Designers need to value innovation and new quality productivity more, moving towards diversified and cross-disciplinary collaboration models,” said Xun.
CONTACT US
Isabel Tang
Media Relations
T +86 21 5456 3516
E itang@hassellstudio.com
Thomas Xu
Business Development Leader
T +86 21 5456 3525
E TXu@hassellstudio.com
See more Hassell news.
