OA was invited to lead a team of specialists to provide advice at the pre-masterplan phase of the Han City Urban development project that encompasses an area of 36 sq kilometres. The proposed development area is sited on the Han City (Chang’an), the oldest recorded city in China and is protected by national legislation and proposed for World Heritage nomination (as part of the ‘Silk Road’ nomination).
This was an exciting, creative and challenging project that drew on OA’s experience in mitigating damage to significant cultural heritage during urban regeneration. Our ideas aimed primarily to conserve and protect important below ground archaeological remains.
However, advice also encouraged the design and masterplan to make good use of the exciting cultural themes linked to the site. OA’s aim was to create a heritage-led regeneration that would serve the city of Xi’an and promote and protect the important Han Dynasty heritage.