A winner of the 2023 ULI Asia Pacific Excellence Award. Caoyang Park is located in a residential neighborhood in the Putuo District of Shanghai along what used to be a freight railway track that went into disuse and gradually transformed into a local farmers’ market. This nearly one-kilometer-long (0.62 miles) and 10 to 15-meter-wide (32.8-49.2 ft) strip of land now serves a fresh, innovative function. Following the market’s closure in 2019, this space has been reimagined into a vibrant, multi-tiered, mixed-use park with a strong emphasis on pedestrian accessibility and community engagement.

This transformation closely resembles several successful urban renewal initiatives implemented worldwide. Notable examples like New York City’s High Line and Seoullo 7017 in Seoul, South Korea have effectively revitalized outdated transportation infrastructures and transformed them into beloved public spaces. Much like these projects, Caoyang Centennial Park is a testament to the potential of urban spaces and the transformative impact of community-centered design.

Dubbed the ‘3K Corridors’, Caoyang Centennial Park integrates art into everyday community life, reflecting the2021 Shanghai Urban Art Space Art Season theme, “Enrich City, Art Englightens City.”During the design process, the team delved into the site’s historical contexts and creatively reimagined its landscapes, resulting in a vine-and-melon-inspired walking belt that extends from north to south. This innovative design has breathed new life into the streets’ grassland system, marking a significant step in the organic renewal of the Caoyang Community.

Background

Located in Caoyang Xincun the park is steeped in history, the inaugural workers’ community planned by the government of the People’s Republic of China, is steeped in history, embodying the collective memories and historical evolution of its time. Market houses, built alongside the site’s disused railway line and close to the workers’ residences, added to the area’s unique character. Seeing an opportunity to uplift the living standards and spatial quality of Caoyang, the district government and its sub-district office embarked on a mission to transform the area into a city park—a future epicenter for leisure, culture, and daily activities.

The project was marked by a swift timeline: a brief two-day window was set aside for sketching the initial design, followed by a two-week period for refining and finalizing the concept. Despite the demanding schedule, the project advanced smoothly, thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple departments.

Liu Zhehong, a member of the design team with Atelier Liu Yuyang Architects, reflected on the overall design process, “In reality, we had a mere two weeks to formulate a concept design. We focused on the typical section, aiming to manage vertical relationships as we identified the multi-level aspect as a significant challenge. The final design differs greatly from the initial concept, but the changes are subtle. They may go unnoticed unless closely examined (if you have seen the physical models of the two versions in the semi-basement). Most adjustments during the design development phase were made to accommodate the site, without altering the core idea of the controlling section.”

The project swiftly transitioned from design to detailed drawings, then laying concrete to erecting steel frames. In just a year, the park concept was actualized and opened to the public, marking a rapid and successful metamorphosis of this historical site into a dynamic urban park.

Architect Liu Yuyang, founder and principal at Liu Yuyang Architects, is the visionary behind the park’s design. His philosophy involved far more than a physical transformation; it aimed to capture the essence of the community. “The driving force behind the design was the idea of a linear city and the local community’s historical workers’ housing,” Liu shares. He notes how the project “re-established the community’s social network,” highlighting well-designed public spaces’ potential to repair social rifts and foster unity.

Overcoming Challenges

我转换的废弃的铁路线nto Caoyang Centennial Park was not without its hurdles. The design team faced numerous challenges during the project. One of the most significant was the task of converting a bustling market into a park. Yuyang explains, “Our objective was to encourage community interaction, despite the site’s previous economic function.” The enclosed public space, a remnant of the original railway line, posed another challenge. The team was determined to “break down physical barriers to create a park that was both open and inclusive.”

Alongside these challenges, the team had to ensure the park was harmonious with its surroundings. Given the site’s compact nature, nestled among neighborhoods and institutions, each spatial node within the park required careful design to reflect its context. A member of the design team elaborated, “During the design development, we had to ensure that nearly every spatial node responded to the surroundings, given the area’s close proximity to neighborhoods and institutions.” This approach ensured that the park was not an isolated space but an integral part of the broader community landscape.

Moreover, they had to balance various community interests and perspectives in their decision-making process. “We made a concerted effort to include everyone’s input, ensuring that the final design reflected the community’s collective vision,” the team notes. The linear shape of the park, a legacy of the old railway layout, required a unique design approach. The team aimed to “ensure the park functioned as a connector while remaining engaging and user-friendly throughout its length.”

The design of appealing facilities at the park’s ends was crucial. “We wanted the park to be a destination, not just a pass-through. We created highlights at both ends to draw in visitors,” Yuyang explains.

古银ehong pointed out a unique construction challenge. “Another challenge was specific to the construction process, due to the site’s narrowness. The construction vehicles began working (excavating and hoisting) at the site’s midpoint. They gradually moved towards the two ends of the site. If not, once a steel framework was erected at a place, the vehicles would not be able to exit the site.”

Park Features

Caoyang Park, stretching over 880 meters (0.55 miles) and divided into northern and southern sections, has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of public functions. These include gathering spaces, activity zones, entertainment areas, and sports facilities. The park’s central corridor, extending from the middle to the northern and southern ends, acts as a conduit for social energy, creating multi-level spaces that engage in a dynamic dialogue with each other.

The main entrance to the park is located at the northern gate. The design of this entrance cleverly incorporates the façades of the nearby Lianong Building and Zhongqiao Tower. The ground floor level and the upper levels together create a welcoming gateway reminiscent of a city hall, inviting visitors to stroll and enjoy the view of Caoyang.

The park’s design seamlessly integrates the double lane that runs over Lanxi Road in the middle, ensuring a continuous walking experience across both sides of the park. This feature allows the lively street scenes with pedestrians and moving vehicles to become an integral part of the park’s ambiance.

古银ehong further elaborated on the park’s design philosophy, “Overall, we did not design too many decorations, say claddings or ceilings, just to make the structure to be seen and used as it is. And for the semi-basement, several openings (void or covered with glass) are made at intervals on the raised floor, and the lateral gap is not closed (can be seen clearly on a section drawing); this guarantees natural ventilation and lighting.”

The transformation of the park has also had a profound impact on adjacent areas, such as the Wuning Area Center and the Shanghai Open University Putuo Campus, serving as a catalyst for revitalization. This transformation has not only rejuvenated these locales but has also reshaped the communal spirit and redefined local identity. The park’s influence extends to the Caoyang Community Cultural Center and the Caoyang Community History Museum, infusing them with a renewed sense of purpose and vibrancy.

In conclusion, the transformative power of Caoyang Centennial Park reverberates through the community on multiple levels. Not only does it reshape the local physical landscape, but it also recasts the social, cultural, and environmental fabric of the community.