Fushun is a prefecture-level city in Liaoning province, China, about 45 km (28 mi) east of Shenyang. It has a population of 2,138,090 (2010 census) and covers a total area of 11,272 km2 (4,352 sq mi), of which 714 km2 (276 sq mi) is the city proper. The average elevation in Fushun is 80 meters above sea level. It is located in the temperate zone with a continental monsoon climate.
Fushun is an important industrial base in Liaoning Province. As an industrial city, Fushun prospered from the early years of the founding of the People’s Republic of China up to the period of reform and opening up. It was an important base for China’s coal and oil industries. However, in recent years, due to the development of the modern economy and tertiary industries, Fushun has experienced the phenomenon of urban contraction. The slowing down of urban growth and economic growth, population decline, the aging of the industrial base and other problems have all become reality.
The area chosen for this project is Fushun West Open-pit Mine, a mine that played a central role in the development of Fushun. Initially the mine created prosperity and jobs for Fushun. Then in recent years it was abandoned due to mineral exhaustion. Fushun West Open-pit Mine has become a “scar” on the city, with the original city center divided and development hindered. To improve this situation, we propose to “Break the Boundaries” through this design project and we hope to reintegrate Fushun West Open-pit Mine with the city.
The local microclimate and existing environment can be improved by conserving soil and water, transforming the wetlands and rebuilding the ecology. Due to Fushun’s relatively dry climate, it cannot support a large amount of water for ecological restoration. Thus, the project design re-uses the original idle sewage treatment plant and the “terraced wetland sewage purification system” next to the mine to purify domestic sewage into agricultural water to ecologically restore the mine.
The improved ecological environment and unique terrain will be utilized to gradually promote Fushun’s tourism industry. By breaking the boundary between the mine and the city, Fushun’s tourism industry will be stimulated, other surrounding industries will be developed, and the whole city will be revitalized.
A New Calling Card for An Old Industrial City
Students:
Lu Pengyu, Qin Huayun & Hua Chuan Wang
School: MACAU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION DESIGN
Observer/ Supervisor: FENG, JINGLEI
