Màster universitari en Estudis Avançats en Arquitectura: Contemporary Project

During long period of interacting with natural environment, the unique spatial forms, lifestyles and cultural dispositions had formed in the traditional cities with river networks in the area of the south of the lower reaches of the Changjiang River. This thesis tries to do some reserch on Suzhou City, the author’s hometown, as a typical case, which is the first and most thoughtfully plannned and preserved city with water system as grid. Based on the theoretical review and case studies of successful waterfront renovation projects around the world, this thesis traces the historic evolution and morphological study of Suzhou city from different aspects, and then to find out the existing problems in Suzhou riverfronts today. Finally, through a design project in a typical site, it comes to the conclusion on the design strategies of riverfront blocks by public space. It aims to interpret the features of constitution, expounds and propagates their modem value, and then probes the ways from the view of architecture, to guide people protecting and renovating the tradicional river networks rationally, and thus keep the particular charm and everlasting vigor of the local culture of the city.