Urban Amusement Park Regeneration

The draw towards nature seems to stand far opposite to visions of city life. The belief in technology to bring a better future seems to be a contradiction to the fascination for local cultural wisdom. To mediate these conflicting interests, planners and ecologists introduced strict conservation rules to protect one from the other. However, with growing pressure on limited land, these strict divisions don’t create viable and connected habitats any more - not for man, and not for other species. Counter intuitively, ecological research found, that biodiversity in urban areas can be higher than in the surrounding countryside. So what if we actively encourage both: a rich ecological environment, and a rich development for humans. The transformation of the derelict Chongqing Amusement Park brings nature and future together. Once the first pleasure ground of the metropolis, the place is of dear memory for many. Since operation became inviable, nature rapidly claimed back the hill in the middle of the city. The proposal radically extends the client's brief, which only asked for commercial and operational proposals. With the belief that nature is a necessary, but also an attractive base for development, this plan argues that to design a nature oriented, and well programmed park will draw visitor numbers beyond any commercially design entertainment destination. The foundational strategy restores a series of natural habitats in different parts of the hill. A careful, yet in parts spectacular, routing draws the visitor into and through the site. It offers various experiences and destinations with a viable operations model. This transformation under the pattern “Natural Futurism” is home again to a rich urban nature. It is an important element in the quality of life of local residents. And it is a revived destination and landmark of Chongqing.