Chinese Development Goes Green

Architects Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown bring a new model for ecologically responsible urban planning to China.

1 minute read

October 21, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By Lynn Vande Stouwe


China's rapid urbanization has reeked havoc on the country's architectural and ecological past, writes Karen Stein, with traditional buildings and countryside routinely decimated to make way for new development. Octave, a new project from Tsao & McKowan Architects, strives to create a better model for urban growth by designing a new kind of community throughout China. Stein writes:

"Octave wants to develop diverse, pedestrian-friendly live-work communities where people of all economic levels have suitable housing as well as easy access to cultural facilities and the outdoors."

Octave is part think-tank and part architecture firm, with projects spanning from a 2008 master plan for a 240-acre development in Chengdu to a small-scale, mixed-use tourist project outside of Shanghai. The firm's ultimate goal, Stein says, is to "create an urbanity that is new to the China of today, yet not so foreign as to be alienating."

Thursday, October 17, 2013 in The Wall Street Journal

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

ROwn of grey and white townhomes with gabled roofs and front porches.

Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing

To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.

March 27 - Sightline

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.