URBAN DESIGN Invigorating Pedestrian Path in a Growing City Center: Xizhimen Square

Author

Xi Cao, Clemson University

Date of Award

5-2016

Document Type

Terminal Project

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture

Advisor

Hyejung Chang

Committee Member

Martin J. Holland

Committee Member

Eric A. Morris

Abstract

The increasing population and growing travel demands in Beijing are placing more pressure on the multi-modal transportation centers like Xizhimen, and there is a need to solve the problems existing on the front square of Beijing North Train Station and help to improve the poor pedestrian environment in levels of sense of place, pedestrian circulation, wayfinding, safety, and security. In order to create a welcoming atmosphere, build a clear navigation and recall the heritage of Xizhimen Gate, literature from diverse fields are carefully studied in terms of city receipting, travel pattern and behavior and pedestrian characteristics. To better understand the current site situation and the ways that the place is currently being utilized, corresponding data for all kinds of travel modes, user groups and respective travel pattern and needs are comparatively studied. It is found that Xizhimen Square to the city of Beijing is not just one of the most heavily used and crowded multi-modal transit center, but also an important landmark to both newcomers and residents as a part of mental maps to help them orient themselves in this gigantic city. However, the fact of losing it’s identity and heritage, in fact, weaken the linkage between the place itself and it’s unique memory, in a way generate a looming fear of disorientation. While Xizhimen’s significant position in public transportation requires attention in re-building a landmark and relinking with history and individual memory. Meanwhile, the pedestrian-related design should be prudential in order to adapt the heavy use and dynamic pedestrian flow.

Recommended Citation

Cao, Xi, "URBAN DESIGN Invigorating Pedestrian Path in a Growing City Center: Xizhimen Square" (2016). Master of Landscape Architecture Terminal Projects. 30.
https://open.clemson.edu/mlatp/30