Postmodern Urban Waterfront in Suzhou: A Critical Approach

Abstract

This thesis aims to provide an overview of the transformation of urban waterfront space in Suzhou, demonstrating how the city underwent different phases of development that significantly affected its relationship with water. After providing a brief historical background, the research focuses on the emergence and development of Suzhou urban waterways and on their economic, social and cultural significance. Following the evolution of the city in the modernization era, Suzhou underwent a spatial reconfiguration that resulted in a dramatic loss of traditional waterways and in the detachment of local people from the waterfront space, affected by pollution and degradation. The rediscovery of the value of urban waterways occurred in recent years is then discussed, by analyzing three projects addressing the revitalization of waterfront space in different areas of the city. In conclusion, some social and cultural issues related to the practice of waterfront redevelopment are underlined and the reconciliation of local people with water is identified as a way to preserve and transmit the traditional water culture of the region.