From Historical Axis to Vitality Corridor: Innovation Practice of Spatial Quality Enhancement and Sustainable Livelihood in Deshengmen Inner Street, Beijing, China

PrizeHonorable Mention in Architectural Design / Cultural Architecture

Firm LocationBeijing, China

CompanyBeijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

University/SchoolBeijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Lead ArchitectDayu Zhang

Design TeamZhang Man, Tang Yuyang, Chen Xinwei, Zhang Xiaolei, Li Xuehua, Ouyang Wen, Shi Yang, Zhu He

Deshengmen Inner Street lies within the heritage buffer zone of Beijing’s Central Axis, extending over 1,700 meters with 600 years of history. As the main road of the Shichahai Historical and Cultural Block, it hosts Xicheng District’s first subdistrict-led urban renewal pilot. Focusing on the synergy between heritage protection and community development, it pioneers a “subdistrict coordination–multi-stakeholder governance–gradual renewal” model, addressing the tension between preservation and livability, and offering a Chinese solution for global heritage buffer zone governance.