[Photo via VCG]

Recently, the evaluation results of the international solicitation of urban design plans for the International Convention, Exhibition and Consumption Area of Beijing Daxing International Airport Economic Zone were released. A group of senior experts from their fields of expertise, including planning, architecture, transportation, exhibition, and commerce constituted an evaluation committee to assess the submitted design plans and chose three plans as winners.

After reviewing the information booklets, display boards, and models submitted by all entrants, the committee thoroughly assessed the pros and cons of each design plan according to the solicitation requirements. The committee concluded that each plan and its corresponding results meet the requirements of the solicitation and demonstrate the necessary design content and insight specified in the requirements.

The three winning design plans are as follows:

Design plan No. B01 submitted by the consortium consisting of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design (CAUPD), M. Arthur Gensler Jr. and Associates, Inc., Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), and DARRENN GROUP LIMITED;

Design plan No. B03 submitted by the consortium consisting of the China Architecture Design and Research Group (CADG), Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Fuksas Architecture S.R.L., and Beijing General Municipal Engineering Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.;

Design plan No. B05 submitted by the consortium consisting of the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University Co., Ltd., Aedas Asia Limited, and AECOM Design and Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

In November 2022, the International Solicitation of Proposals for Urban Design of the International Convention, Exhibition and Consumption Area in Beijing Daxing International Airport Economic Zone (hereinafter referred to as the "Campaign") was hosted and launched by Beijing Daxing International Airport Economic Zone (Daxing) Administrative Committee under the auspices of Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources and Daxing District People's Government of Beijing Municipality. The aim of the solicitation is to solicit good proposals for innovative and practical urban design plans that will contribute to building Beijing into a center for international exchanges and an international consumption center city, and facilitate the planning and development of a convention and exhibition center as well as a consumption hub in China's capital with high standards. More than 50 renowned global design institutions registered at the Campaign, with five academicians and two masters of architectural exploration and design partaking in it. Finally, six consortiums were shortlisted. During the 110-day-long Campaign, the six consortiums effectively learned from the results of each exchange meeting and submitted satisfying urban design plans eventually. Authorities such as Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources, and Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau all provided robust support for the Campaign.

Design Plan No. B01

This plan aims to create a world-class convention, exhibition and consumption area with distinctive Chinese characteristics. The goal is to build this area into a strategic frontier for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region to participate in the international urban competition, a premier entrance showcasing China's power and charm, and a driving force behind the high-quality development of Beijing Daxing International Airport Economic Zone. Drawing inspiration from the geographical and spatial features of this economic zone and following the spatial sequence of Beijing's Central Axis, the plan aims to reflect a sense of openness and inclusivity of the economic zone as a "door" of China while expanding the local landscaping, corresponding to the theme of "auspicious phoenix" in southern Beijing.

Design Plan No. B03

This plan is a reflection of the integration, intensiveness, and unique urban characteristics of conventions and exhibitions, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of a city and conventions and exhibitions. The plan includes a convention and exhibition center that emphasizes the full-time interaction between its function and urban life. It also highlights the fusion of blue and green spaces with the cityscape, intending to establish green spaces for exhibitions, consumption, and daily life, and create a brand-new communication hub. The concept of the plan is to build a city that can retain its old memories, grow with time, and offer experiences to inhabitants. Additionally, the plan helps establish a well-balanced relationship between the city, nature, conventions and exhibitions, transportation, consumption, and national publicity, based on the philosophy of integration, interaction, and symbiosis.

Design Plan No. B05

This plan aims to establish a new gateway capable of hosting international exchanges, showcasing the positive image of Beijing, and catalyzing the city's future development. It intends to carry out six strategies, including the development of landmarks, the integration of the Central Axis and parks, and the creation of diverse scenarios to make the functions of the area more practical and establish featured spaces. Guided by the six major strategies, the plan also aims to construct an airport economic zone that is outstanding in multiple aspects including overall planning, iconic landmarks and scenario-specific experiences.