In the middle of 1970s, British Metropolis Plan proposed the concept of “Urban renaissance”. And nowadays it refers to “solving the urban problems in a comprehensive and integrative way and seeking a continuous improvement of a city in the aspects of economy, body type environment, society and natural surroundings”. Urban culture plays a vital role in urban renaissance and an active role in upgrading the quality and vitality of the historical city and achieving economic support for the regional development. As early as in 1985, the EU Council of Ministers launched the “European Cultural City” activity. In 1999, after examining the achievements the European Parliament and EU Council agreed that “this activity may strengthen the rich and diverse meaning of the European culture, and further promote the mutual understanding of the EU citizens”. Later the name of the activity was changed to “European Cultural Metropolis” and the sponsor holds annual activity to collect recommendation and naming. By now, this concept has spread all over the world and such activities as “American Cultural Metropolis”, “Arabic Cultural Metropolis” have lasted couple of years.

In china, with the development of modernization, the rise of China does not only mean the rise of economy but also the rise of culture. In this sense, urban renaissance in China is ready to boom. Professor Wu Liangyong proposed the theory “Organic Update”, which centers on achieving an organic order by following the inner rules of the urban development and conforming to the city’s texture. From the theory and practice of “Urban Renaissance” and “Organic Update”, people realize that the development of cities does not only involve in material planning but also in the aspects of society, culture and environment.

Focusing on the cultural cities in China, as well as the cultural construction of cities is the mission and responsibility of Architecture and Culture. Therefore, supported by the relevant Departments, brother cities and some academic institutes, we will hold the “Cultural Cities Series” reporting activities, combined with the “Attention” column in Architecture and Culture. Those cities which have prominent features in cultural construction will be chosen as the cases for study. Through interviewing, following and reporting, it is supposed to trigger people’s concern and thinking about the urban cultural construction.

jianzhuyuwenhua@chinaacsc.com
We are looking forward to your opinions, cases or news clues.
Please contact us by jianzhuyuwenhua@chinaacsc.com