Profile of Shougang Old Industrial Zone

The Shougang Old Industrial Zone boasts unique geographical advantages, a large spatial scale, and considerable influence. Its renewal and transformation signify not only a profound transformation for the enterprise itself but also a functional shift for the urban area of the capital city, constituting a complex and systematic undertaking. Throughout this endeavor, Shougang has consistently emphasized a holistic and organic approach to renewal, enhancing overall planning and strategic coordination. Seizing the opportunity presented by the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Shougang has enhanced its comprehensive service capabilities in alignment with national strategies and Beijing's urban development plans. This has revitalized regional development dynamics and reshaped the image of transformation in old industrial areas for the new era. Adhering to the principle of developing and revitalizing each area step by step, Shougang Group has steadily advanced the phased and zonal redevelopment of its old industrial zone. It has actively explored methods for implementing zonal planning and pioneered an innovative approach to land policy implementation by "utilizing existing resources within their original contexts," effectively driving the intensive, efficient, and coordinated development of the region. Regarding the preservation of industrial heritage, Shougang has adhered to the maxim of "preserving what can be preserved and utilizing what can be utilized," spearheading a novel path of "preservation-guided construction" and categorized protection. Embracing low-carbon and green development principles, Shougang Group has expanded large-scale green areas, championed green building practices, and established intelligent management and control platforms, comprehensively enhancing the "green appeal" of the region. In the new era, the Shougang Old Industrial Zone has consistently adhered to the functional orientation of the capital city, exploring innovative pathways for urban renewal in old industrial areas and thereby establishing an initial "Shougang Model" with exemplary and representative significance.

Cultural Connotation

The renewal and transformation of the Shougang Old Industrial Zone place a strong emphasis on preserving cultural heritage. Focusing on the distinctive attributes of industrial heritage, the project utilizes the activation and preservation of industrial remnants, alongside their unique characteristics, as the guiding thread throughout the renewal process. Adhering to a tiered and graded protection strategy, Shougang has collaborated with external partners to initiate research on urban landscape studies, innovatively proposing a holistic vision for shaping the area's overall aesthetic that emphasizes "retaining the raw charm of industrial heritage elements, revitalizing brownfield sites through careful 'darning,' and cultivating green appeal of ecological environment." This vision creatively incorporates concepts such as "urban darning," "sponge city," and "urban revitalization" into its planning and project transformation designs, highlighting the principle of "enabling people to live amidst the lush mountains and clear waters and remember Shougang's enduring spirit." It perpetuates the historical and cultural values, as well as the architectural and aesthetic legacy, of the "century-old steel city."

Practical Implications

Following more than a century of development, the Shougang Old Industrial Zone bequeathed a rich collection of industrial relics that represent the evolution of the steel industry, serving as a microcosm of China's modern industrial journey. The transformation of Shougang Park aligns harmoniously with the historical process of strengthening Beijing's capital functions and relocating non-essential functions. Leveraging the opportunities presented by the Winter Olympics and with deep respect for the original industrial heritage landscape, comprehensive renovations and spatial renewals have been undertaken on the old industrial facilities. This has unlocked the latent potential of traditional industrial spaces, resulting in a thorough transformation from steel smelting and enclosed spaces to modern services, increased openness, and enhanced integration. It has driven cultural, ecological, industrial, and community revitalization, becoming a flagship example for advancing urban development in Beijing, the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage, and the rejuvenation of industrial zones.

Highlights in the Development Journey

Emphasizing holistic and organic renewal while strengthening overall planning and strategic coordination. Compared to other aging industrial areas in China, the Shougang Old Industrial Zone is unique in its location, scale, and influence. Its renewal and transformation represent not only a profound corporate shift but also a functional transformation of the capital city's urban zones, representing a complex and systematic endeavor. Throughout this process, Shougang has consistently underscored a holistic and organic approach to renewal, bolstering overall planning and strategic coordination. Following the cessation of production at the Shougang Old Industrial Zone, the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality proposed establishing the New Shougang High-End Industrial Comprehensive Service Zone. Municipal bodies, including the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources and the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, in conjunction with the Shougang Group, intensified research and deliberation, fostering a strong consensus between the government and the enterprise on the protective development, transformation, and utilization of the area. To tackle the global challenge of preserving the aesthetic and historical essence of old industrial heritage, Shougang Group departed from conventional practices and innovatively adopted a working model featuring "government leadership, think-tank support, and enterprise-driven advancement." It commissioned research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Engineering to conduct a study on the urban landscape of Shougang Park. Led by five academicians, including Wu Liangyong, Zhang Jinqiu, and He Jingtang, a comprehensive system encompassing functional orientation and landscape visioning, landscape assessment and guidelines, as well as landscape implementation and demonstration, was established. Establishing a planning system with urban renewal as its hallmark is a prerequisite for executing renewal and transformation projects. Lacking readily available mature precedents to draw from, Shougang Group successively introduced several versions of plans: the 2007 renewal plan for Shougang Industrial Zone, the 2012 regulatory plan, the 2017 detailed plans for the northern and southeastern regions of Shougang Park, the 2020 detailed plan for the southern region of Shougang Park (block level), and the 2021 regulatory plan for Block 1609 (block level). Through this iterative process, a planning system was developed that aligns with the characteristics of integrated preservation and utilization.

Emphasizing the driving force of significant events to comprehensively enhance functional image. Successfully hosting a major event can invigorate an entire city. Capitalizing on the Beijing Winter Olympics, Shougang Group has enhanced its comprehensive service capabilities while harmonizing national strategies and implementing the city's development plan. This has not only invigorated regional development vitality but also redefined and presented a new image of the old industrial zone's transformation in the new era.

Seizing the historic opportunity presented by the relocation of the Winter Olympics Organizing Committee to Shougang Park, Shougang Group has leveraged Olympic projects to propel urban renewal, undertaking a series of demanding engineering endeavors. Key accomplishments include the completion of the Winter Olympics Square, the Shijingshan Cultural Landscape Area, and the district project of the Industrial Heritage Park, as well as a range of vital infrastructure projects such as the subway extension for the Winter Olympics, a core road network, and crucial municipal utilities for water, electricity, gas, and heating. The New Shougang Bridge has emerged as a new landmark in western Beijing, signifying a major advancement in enhancing the functionality and quality of the capital's western gateway. Shougang Group has advanced spatial construction and industrial development in a coordinated manner, actively leveraging and developing resources related to the Winter Olympics. By integrating cultural, sports, and creative elements, the Group has fostered the robust growth of technology-driven industries. Focusing on the implementation of industrial projects, Shougang has significantly increased the park's public appeal. The Shougang Old Industrial Zone, where the gravitas of industrial civilization is ingeniously paired with the sleekness of modern technology, has crafted immersive experience scenarios brimming with a sense of fashionable tech. It has emerged as a pivotal emblem of Beijing's profound urban transformation.

Emphasizing the innovation of implementation approaches and spearheading the park's accelerated transformation. Following a principle of gradual, step-by-step development and revitalization, Shougang Group has steadily advanced the phased and zonal rolling development of its old industrial zone. It has actively explored methods for implementing zonal planning and pioneered an innovative approach to land policy of "utilizing existing resources within their original contexts," effectively driving the intensive, efficient, and coordinated development of the region. Regarding the preservation of industrial heritage, Shougang has embraced the principle of "preserving what can be preserved and utilizing what can be utilized," leading the way in establishing a new path of "preservation-guided construction" and categorized protection. Firstly, a tiered and graded approach to protecting and utilizing industrial heritage has been implemented. This involved conducting comprehensive surveys and assessments of industrial resources, meticulously evaluating the value of each industrial facility, and establishing a principle and framework for tiered and graded protection. Secondly, the approval model for renovating industrial buildings and structures has been innovated. Thirdly, new technologies and methodologies have been applied to drive the functional transformation of distinctive spaces. Through research, development, and implementation of new techniques and methods, a series of industrial-style spaces have been renovated, adhering to the principle of "restoring the old as it was," thereby breathing new life into these industrial relics. For instance, during the renovation of the No. 3 Blast Furnace, the core industrial structures, such as the furnace body and hot blast stoves, were preserved to the maximum extent feasible. Its internal space was reorganized to accommodate diverse functions, including display areas, exhibition spaces, and viewing platforms. To tackle the technical challenges of preventing steel structure corrosion and preserving the original appearance, Shougang's proprietary high-performance composite coating materials were utilized. As a result, the blast furnace, with a volume of 2,500 cubic meters, has been successfully transformed into a showcase venue that exudes a strong sense of vitality. For industrial buildings such as silos and bunkers, the Shougang Group has adopted various repair and reinforcement methods, including concrete replacement and the use of buckling-restrained braces. The Group has extensively utilized BIM technology to rationally arrange specialized pipelines within confined spaces, integrating new functions such as offices, hotels, and studios. This approach not only preserves the industrial aesthetic but also achieves the functional and adaptive reuse of the industrial heritage.

Emphasizing green and low-carbon transformation and strengthening ecological and environmental governance. During the renewal and transformation of the Shougang Old Industrial Zone, the Shougang Group has actively expanded large-scale green areas, promoted green building practices, and established an intelligent management and control platform, thereby comprehensively enhancing the "green appeal" of the region. In response to the challenges and difficulties in the green renovation of industrial heritage, and based on the LEED certification and evaluation standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, the Shougang Group has researched and formulated new LEED standards tailored to the renovation of old industrial zones. The Group also organized the compilation of the Assessment Standard for Green Retrofitting for Civilian Use of Existing Industrial Buildings in Beijing, which was officially released on April 1, 2021. This represents a pioneering contribution to standardizing the field of green renovation for industrial heritage. Shougang Group pioneered the "simultaneous demolition and lowering, integrated demolition and lowering" demolition technology, enabling the safe, rapid, and green demolition of towering structures. The "Green Construction Technology of Concrete Chimney Demolition Under Special Circumstances" has been awarded a ministerial-level construction method certificate by the China Metallurgical Construction Association. Additionally, the Group has researched and adopted various composite repair and reinforcement techniques, like carbon fiber-reinforced polymer strengthening and buckling-restrained braces, to ensure safe and reliable connections between new and existing structures.