Synergising Functional and Environmental Planning for Mega-event Led Urban Renewals and Beyond: Lessons from the Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Abstract

A mega-event-led-urban renewal (MELUR) has been a popular but controversial urban renewal instrument worldwide. Adding to the persisting difficulty in the post-event uses of its physical legacies is an emerging dilemma of initiating spatial regeneration in an environmentally degenerated urban setting. This seems especially imperative for host cities from emerging economies, while facing the dual pressures of urban degradation and regeneration, tend to favour instant image-building through flagship construction. The purpose of this study is to propose an integrated approach to making an intelligent balance between functional adaptation and environmental sustainability in planning an MELUR. It presents an in-depth case study of the Expo 2010 Site renewal in Shanghai, China. Modelled on the 3R waste management principle, a five-layered analytic framework is established. First-hand data were gathered through participant observation, field trips and stakeholder meetings. Besides drawing constructive lessons from the empirical study, a 5R strategy hierarchy is formulated to synergise functional and environmental planning for future MELURs and significantly comparable urban renewal initiatives.