Exploring landscapes is not only a vital way for citizens to relax and enjoy leisure activities but also a means to showcase a city’s cultural heritage and natural charm. By embracing sustainable development principles, cities can leverage their natural and cultural resources while striking a balance between ecological preservation and economic growth in landscape development.

In their pursuit of sustainability, many cities prioritize ecological restoration, transforming degraded natural areas into vibrant green spaces that offer immersive experiences of nature for residents and visitors alike. Simultaneously, the protection and innovative utilization of historical and cultural resources have become key focal points. By restoring heritage sites and developing integrated cultural and tourism projects, these cities safeguard valuable cultural legacies while enhancing the unique appeal of their landscapes.

This issue of In Focus highlights five city cases, showcasing how they harmoniously integrate urban landscapes with the principles of sustainable development. These cities achieve a delicate balance between economic, cultural, and environmental progress, creating livable and tourist-friendly environments. Their innovative practices not only boost overall city attractiveness but also foster a sense of belonging and identity among citizens, offering valuable lessons for urban innovation.

Mannheim, Germany

Annual report on the achievement of the SDGs as a management tool and transformation of vacant land into a park

（2023 Guangzhou Award Shortlisted Initiative）

The City of Mannheim has actively monitored progress towards the SDGs since 2015. In 2022, it enhanced its monitoring process by adopting the city’s annual Voluntary Local Review as a primary municipal tool, enabling administrators, council members, and the community to better understand how local actions align with the SDGs.

A key example of Mannheim’s commitment to localizing the SDGs is the transformation of a former military base into a community park. Citizen consultations led to the decision to repurpose the site, culminating in the BUGA (Federal Garden Show) project, dedicated to the SDGs.

Plans are underway to convert the 80-hectare site into a landscaped park and recreation area, providing habitat for diverse species and serving as a venue for sports and leisure activities. The park will act as a green lung for the city, reducing local temperatures by an average of 1.5°C. It is also expected to attract approximately 2 million visitors every two years. The BUGA includes exhibitions on urban food production and sustainable energy solutions, showcasing the city’s dedication to ecological innovation.

Learn more:

https://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3322.html?lang=en

Shanghai, China

Century-old Zhangyuan and its journey of renewal

( 2023 Guangzhou Award Deserving Initiative)

Established in 1882, Zhangyuan in Jing’an District is Shanghai’s largest and most diverse cluster of mid- to high-end Shikumen buildings. As the city’s first urban renewal project featuring protective traffic transformation, Zhangyuan faced challenges stemming from its aging infrastructure, which negatively impacted residents' quality of life.

The renovation project adopts a “repairing the old as the old” philosophy, preserving the historical integrity of the buildings while introducing modern infrastructure. A multi-dimensional plan includes creating interconnected skywalks, a pedestrian street, and underground spaces to enhance accessibility.

Venues such as an art museum and performance center will form a cultural hub, while commercial spaces will highlight Shanghainese culture, redefining the district as a premier downtown destination.

Learn more: 

https://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3382.html?lang=en

Halandri, Greece

Cultural H.ID.RA.N.T. (Cultural Hidden IDentities ReAppear through Networks of Water) -- Ancient engineering of sustainable water management meets urban innovation through citizens’ participation

(2023 Guangzhou Award Winning Initiative)

Halandri’s initiative breathes new life into Hadrian’s aqueduct, an ancient Roman infrastructure, integrating it into modern urban life. Beyond its historical significance, the aqueduct serves as a symbol of sustainable water management, used for irrigation to replace potable water.

This initiative regenerates four neighborhoods with new green spaces while encouraging citizen participation to celebrate the aqueduct’s heritage. The project strengthens the local economy through sustainable development rather than over-reliance on tourism, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Learn more: 

https://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3316.html?lang=en

Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Svetly Park as a Supportive Space for Open Communication Between Every Social Category of Residents

(2023 Guangzhou Award Deserving Initiative)

Svetly Park in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, is an inclusive public space completed in 2022, located adjacent to the local library for the blind and visually impaired. The park incorporates tactile pathways to guide visually impaired visitors and features “green landmarks” such as trees, shrubs, and herbs, carefully selected for their unique textures and fragrances, making them easily recognizable.

What sets this project apart is its innovative use of the park as a platform for educational and social activities tailored to visually impaired individuals. Additionally, it actively involves the wider community, particularly children from underprivileged families, fostering mutual understanding and personal growth through collaborative activities.

Svetly Park serves a dual purpose: as a practical training ground where visually impaired individuals can practice independent mobility using tactile landmarks, and as a vibrant social space for cultural exchange through shared activities with sighted residents.

The project’s impact extends beyond its primary beneficiaries, influencing the wider community. By promoting awareness of the needs of visually impaired individuals, it has inspired positive changes in the attitudes and lives of volunteers, project teams, and local residents, fostering a culture of inclusion and empathy.

Learn more: 

https://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3354.html?lang=en

Eskisehir, Türkiye

Cherish the Memory of the City Museum

（2014 Guangzhou Award Shortlisted Initiative）

Turkey’s first urban memory museum, the Eskisehir City Memory Museum (ECMM), was established through a collaboration with the Hague Historical Museum. The ECMM preserves and showcases the city’s historical and cultural evolution through modern interactive exhibits.

The museum features touchscreen displays, oral histories, and a dedicated children’s section, promoting cross-cultural exchange through art competitions and exhibitions. Since its inception in 2012, the museum has attracted significant local and tourist attention, enhancing Eskisehir’s cultural influence and serving as a model for preserving urban memory.

Learn more: 

https://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/978.html?lang=en