圆满落幕 | 2025第五届棕地再生与生态修复国际会议在意大利米兰成功举办！

Guided by the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, the conference is co-hosted by the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, the World Green Design Organization (WGDO), and  Politecnico di Milano. It is organized by the Center for Brownfields Research at the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, and CRAFT -POLITECNICO DI MILANO, with co-organizers from the School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, and the Key Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building (Tsinghua University), Ministry of Education. Support is provided by the Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, China Academy of Art.

The Co-chairs of the Conference are Professor ZHENG Xiaodi, Vice Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Co-Director of the Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, China, Secretary General of the Landscape Architecture Teaching and Guidance Sub-Committee of the Ministry of Education, and Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture (CHSLA); Professor Niall G. Kirkwood, Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Charles Eliot Research Professor, Harvard University, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Co-Director of the Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University; and Professor ZENG Ying, Vice Dean, School of Architecture, China Academy of Art, and Temporary Deputy District Mayor of Dongtou, Wenzhou City.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China–EU diplomatic relations, the conference adopts the theme “Creative Capital: the Rise of Arts and Design in Brownfields Regeneration”. The conference features two main segments: the Conference Forum and the Brownfields Case Studies Visits. Actively responding to the "China-EU Green Action" initiative, it aims to establish a multidisciplinary, international dialogue platform. 

Focusing on the innovative role of arts and design in brownfields regeneration, the event will center on three core topics: Heritage, Culture, and Identity. It will invite leading scholars, artists, and designers worldwide to share interdisciplinary practices and explore how artistic interventions revitalize industrial heritage, how cultural narratives empower placemaking, and how design innovation reshapes urban and rural identities. The conference seeks to advance brownfield regeneration from technical remediation to the co-creation of social value, injecting new momentum into China-EU green cooperation and deepening the green partnership.

• Guiding Organization: Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture;

• Co-Organizers: School of Architecture, Tsinghua University; World Green Design Organization (WGDO); Politecnico di Milano;

• Hosts: Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University; CRAFT Center, Politecnico di Milano;

• Supporting Organizations: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University; Key Laboratory of Eco-Planning & Green Building, Ministry of Education (Tsinghua University);

• Special Acknowledgement: Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, China Academy of Art;

• Media Supports: Chinese Landscape Architecture; Landscape Architecture; Landscape Architecture Frontiers (LAF); Garden & Landscape; Landscape Architecture and Sustainability; ArchiDogs;

• Special Thanks: Mr. SHEN Tung-sheng; Beijing Huanfeng Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.;

The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor ZHENG Xiaodi, Vice Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Co-Director of the Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, China, Secretary General of the Landscape Architecture Teaching and Guidance Sub-Committee of the Ministry of Education, and Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture (CHSLA). Opening addresses were successively delivered by Professor Giuliano Noci, Vice Rector (China Affairs) of Politecnico di Milano; Professor ZHANG Yue, Secretary of the Party Committee, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, China; Professor Massimo Bricocoli, Director of the DASTU, Politecnico di Milano, Italy; and Professor Niall G. Kirkwood, Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Charles Eliot Research Professor, Harvard University, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Co-Director of the Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University (in order of appearance).

Thematic Session 1 began from a global viewpoint, focusing on frontier issues, academic trends, and ecological restoration practices in the field of brownfield regeneration in both Italy and China. The content featured international breadth and forward-thinking, presenting innovative concepts and practical pathways within a cross-cultural context.

This session was moderated by Professor Antonella Bruzzese, Director of the Master M-US-T Program, Department DASTU, Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Professor Valeria Fedeli, Professor and Director CRAFT, Department DASTU, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, began by introducing the academic framework and research priorities of the CRAFT Research Center. Next, Andreas Kipar, Adjunct Professor at Politecnico di Milano, President of LAND Italia Srl., Italy, delivered a presentation titled "Beyond Recovery: Towards Nature-Positive Cities," exploring nature-guided urban development strategies. Professor ZHENG Xiaodi, Co-Director of the Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, China, presented an academic report on "Transnational, Multi-scalar, and Interdisciplinary Exploration of Brownfield Regeneration," sharing explorations of the theoretical and practical boundaries of brownfield regeneration pathways. Finally, Associate Professor Luca M.F. Fabris from the Department DASTU, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, delivered an academic report titled "Milan: A Brownfield History," sharing spatial strategies for brownfield regeneration during Milan's urban transformation and the developmental drivers they generated.

Thematic Session 2 was grounded in the latest progress of brownfield research in China. Integrating representative case studies and professional research findings, it systematically explored the role of landscape architects in brownfield governance and redevelopment. The session covered important topics such as planning and design concepts, regional revitalization pathways, remediation techniques, and environmental regeneration strategies, while also introducing relevant cutting-edge theoretical considerations.

This session was moderated by Professor ZENG Ying, Vice Dean, School of Architecture, China Academy of Art, China. Professor ZHU Yufan, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, China, first delivered an academic report (online) titled "Being and Becoming: The Role of Landscape Architecture in the Transformation of Beijing's Shougang Industrial Landscape," discussing landscape design strategies and methods for the in-situ transformation of industrial heritage. Professor CHENG Yuning, School of Architecture, Southeast University, China, presented an academic report (online) titled "Starting Point on the Maritime Silk Road—Conservation and Exhibition Design for the Nanjing Longjiang Shipyard Site," articulating the conservation strategies and exhibition design concepts for this significant cultural heritage site. Professor CHANG Jiang, School of Architecture & Design, China University of Mining and Technology delivered an academic report (online) on "Post Mining Landscape: "New" Resource in Mining Regions," interpreting the value reconstruction of mining brownfields at ecological and cultural levels. Following this, Professor HOU Deyi, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, China, presented an academic report titled "Sustainable Remediation and Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites," proposing a systematic application pathway for green remediation technologies in brownfield regeneration.

Thematic Session 3 centered on the core process of transformation, exploring the driving role of design in brownfield regeneration. By presenting cutting-edge practices and theoretical reflections from China, Europe, and other regions, the session delved deeply into how design guides the conversion of brownfields from industrial remnants into composite spatial forms integrating ecological, cultural, and social functions. It showcased innovative pathways and solutions within diverse contexts.

This session was moderated by Professor ZHENG Xiaodi, Co-Director of the Center for Brownfields Research, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, China. Professor Tilman Latz, Design Director, Latz + Partner, Germany, first delivered a presentation titled "Adaptation," explaining dynamic and resilient design thinking. Next, Professor ZENG Ying, Vice Dean, School of Architecture, China Academy of Art, China, shared "Transforming N: from Abandoned Quarry in Dongtou to ?," presenting design strategies and localized transformations from domestic practice. Professor Udo Weilacher, Director of Landscape Architecture and Transformation, School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Germany, shared "Transformation of Alpine Industrial Landscape trAILs: A Landscape Approach," focusing on the challenges of industrial brownfield regeneration in the Alpine region and highlighting an interdisciplinary "test planning" approach.

Thematic Session 4 focused on the dual dimensions of "community" and "heritage" in brownfield regeneration. It explored how to activate community engagement, preserve place memory, and reshape new green heritage with social resilience and cultural identity through design, art, and ecological strategies during the transformation of industrial relics.

This session was moderated by Professor Tilman Latz, Design Director, Latz + Partner, Germany. Dan Borelli, an artist and Director of Exhibitions, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, USA, first delivered a presentation titled "True Colors: How Art Transforms Contaminated Communities," discussing the catalytic role of artistic creation in community revitalization. Professor KANG Yin, Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, China Academy of Art, China, then presented "Resilient Shaping of Aquatic Ecology in Abandoned Mines: The Design Practice of Zishan Park in Handan, China," showcasing a Chinese practice that combines ecological restoration with community space reshaping. Following this, Professor Ingo Kowarik, Department of Ecosystem Science and Plant Ecology, Institute of Ecology, Technical University of Berlin, Germany, delivered a report titled "Reviving Vacant Urban Spaces: Transforming Abandoned Infrastructure into Novel Green Heritage," articulating the pathway for transforming urban brownfields into green cultural assets from a European perspective.

Thematic Session 5 addressed the new roles and missions of brownfield regeneration in the context of global climate change. It focused on how to promote the transition of brownfields toward a low-carbon, resilient, and just future through remediation technologies, planning and design, and interdisciplinary practices, aiming to achieve synergistic development of ecological benefits, social needs, and climate goals.

This session was moderated by Associate Professor Luca M.F. Fabris, Department DASTU, Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Assistant Professor SHEN Tung-Sheng from Cheng Kung University began with a presentation titled "From Sacrifice Zones to Sovereign Commons: Climate-Responsive Remediation and the Role of Design Thinking in Climate Justice," elaborating on the potential of brownfield governance in addressing climate change and promoting social equity. Subsequently, XU Xing, Adjunct Lecturer, China Academy of Art, China, presented "Teaching Research & Practice on Multi-Scale Post-Industrial Brownfield Local Regeneration," sharing a full-chain exploration from theoretical research to design education and engineering practice. Finally, FU Quanchuan, lecturer from Beijing Jiaotong University, delivered a talk on "Spatial Evolution and Regeneration Models of Brownfields in the Context of Urban Renewal," systematically analyzing the spatial patterns and renewal pathways of brownfields within the urban development process.

Following the conference's thematic presentations, the Junior Scholars Forum officially commenced. Aligning with the conference theme, the forum aims to build a high-level exchange platform for young scholars, designers, and graduate students in the field of global brownfield research and practice. It encourages them to conduct innovative explorations from multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary perspectives, showcasing the cutting-edge thinking and practical potential of landscape architecture in brownfield transformation.

The Junior Scholars Forum was divided into two sessions, featuring a total of 12 academic presentations. The forum specially invited Professor HOU Deyi (School of Environment, Tsinghua University, China), Professor Ingo Kowarik (Department of Ecosystem Science and Plant Ecology, Institute of Ecology, Technical University of Berlin, Germany,), Professor KANG Yin (School of Architecture, China Academy of Art, China), Professor Tilman Latz (Design Director, Latz+Partner, Germany), Assistant Professor SHEN Tung-Sheng (Cheng Kung University), Professor Udo Weilacher (School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Germany), and Professor ZENG Ying (China Academy of Art, China) as critics (listed alphabetically by last name).

The first session was moderated by FU Quanchuan, lecturer from Beijing Jiaotong University, China, and featured six presentations delivered by seven speakers. First, LI Bin, assistant professor, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, China, delivered an academic report titled "Research on the Evolution of Landscape Spatial Patterns of Industrial Heritage from the Third Line Construction in Guizhou Province under the Perspective of Urban-Rural Relations." Subsequently, SUN Lei, a doctoral candidate from the University of Bologna, Italy, shared "A Comparative Study on the Conservation and Regeneration of Canal-Related Industrial Built Heritage in China and Italy." LIANG Jinzi, a master student from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, introduced "Portare: Transforming Magdeburg's Flood-Prone Ports." ZOU Yuhong, a master student from the School of Architecture at the China Academy of Art, China, presented on the topic "Research on Regeneration of Coastal Area in Post-industrial Town: The Case of Dongtou." NING Yunsi, doctoral student from the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, China, delivered a presentation titled "Multi-Criteria Landscape Planning and Decision-Making Study on the Reuse of Abandoned Quarries on Dongtou Islands, Zhejiang." Finally, ZHANG Xinwen, a doctoral candidate from Politecnico di Torino, Italy, and HUANG Jingxiong, a joint doctoral candidate from Tsinghua University and Politecnico di Torino, jointly reported on "Periodical Cultural Event as a Catalyst for Post-Industrial Regeneration: Adaptive Reuse of Parco Dora through the Kappa Futur Festical Model."

The second session was moderated by XU Xing, Adjunct Lecturer, China Academy of Art, China, and featured six presentations delivered by six speakers. First, Associate Professor ZHANG Shawei, Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, China, delivered an academic report titled "Urban Vitality Phase Transition Mechanisms in Brownfield Transformation: A Spatiotemporal Percolation Perspective." Subsequently, XIANG Shuangbin, Ph.D. student in Engineering from the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, China, shared "Leveraging Brownfield Regeneration: Mechanisms Reshaping Adjacent Property Values Post-Landfill Closure." WU Jiongzhang, a master student from the School of Architecture at the China Academy of Art, China, shared "Exploring Ecological and Cultural Practices in Rural Brownfield Regeneration: A Case Study from Yantou Village, Nanxi River Basin." ZHENG Yaling, a master student from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, shared "Rhizomatic Symbiosis: Urban Shared Agriculture in the Lens of A Thousand Plateaus." ZHU Jingyuan, a doctoral student from the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, China, delivered a report titled "Ecological Impacts of Mining: Types and Spatial Extents in Comparative Perspective." Finally, ZHU Weipeng, a doctoral candidate from the School of Architecture at South China University of Technology, China, shared "2016-2025 Specialized Research on Infrastructure Construction & Building Revitalization Based on the Circular Economy."

Next, Co-chair of the Conference, Professor ZHENG Xiaodi from Tsinghua University, China, introduced the background of the "International Green Design Award" on behalf of the World Green Design Organization (WGDO). She emphasized the award's significance in promoting global green design development and announced this year's finalist projects, including "Sichuan Maerkang Lithium Mine Ecological Green and Low-Carbon Scenic Area Project," "Yongding River Ecological Governance Design—Practical Project of Progressive Ecological Restoration Theory," and "Bohui Group Low-Carbon Environmental Comprehensive Governance Project."

Following that, Professor ZHENG Xiaodi reviewed the conference agenda, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee, partners, and all participants, and shared three reflections on the conference: First, the issue of brownfields is extremely complex, requiring deep thinking and targeted responses based on specific contexts. Second, this conference served not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as an "inspiration container" for collective wisdom, with roundtable discussions and exchange sessions particularly demonstrating the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Third, she called for expanding cooperation in the future, extending topics to include rural brownfields, investment and financing mechanisms, and community resilience, to jointly and continuously push the boundaries of the field.

Afterward, as the Co-chair of the conference, Professor Niall G. Kirkwood was unable to attend in person, Professor ZHENG Xiaodi read his closing remarks on his behalf. The remarks affirmed the value of the conference, called on the global landscape architecture community to engage in brownfield research and practice with a more innovative attitude, and expressed anticipation for witnessing more breakthrough achievements at the next conference.

Finally, Associate Professor Luca M. F. Fabris from the Department DASTU at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, introduced the planning concept behind the brownfield case study site visit segment, emphasizing the important supplementary value of on-site perception to theoretical understanding.

The Brownfield On-Site Case Studies focused on urban renewal and brownfield regeneration projects in Milan, Italy. It covered multiple representative urban public spaces and ecological restoration cases, aiming to explore how landscape design intervenes in the transformation of urban brownfields and promotes the integration of ecological, cultural, and community values at each vivid brownfield site.

These on-site Case studies were led by Associate Professor Luca M. F. Fabris from the Department DASTU, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, and were successfully conducted from October 8th to 10th, 2025. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following experts and project leaders for their excellent on-site explanations and strong support: Isabella Inti, Co-Director of the Master M-US-T Program at Politecnico di Milano; Riccardo Maria Balzarotti, Partner at AOUMM Studio; Andrea Balestrini, EUI Goccia Project Manager for the City of Milan; Stefano Sapone, Goccia Area Project Organizer; and Fabio Campana, Head of Environmental Services at Parco Nord Milano.

Participants in the site visits included: Professor ZHENG Xiaodi (Tsinghua University, China), Professor ZENG Ying (China Academy of Art, China), Professor HOU Deyi (Tsinghua University, China), Professor KANG Yin (China Academy of Art, China), Dan Borelli (Artist and Director of Exhibitions, Harvard University, USA), Professor Ingo Kowarik (Technical University of Berlin, Germany), FU Quanchuan (Lecturer, Beijing Jiaotong University, China), XU Xing (Adjunct Lecturer, China Academy of Art, China), along with other guests and students from Tsinghua University, the China Academy of Art, and Politecnico di Milano.

On the first day of the On-Site Case Studies, the team visited the Porta Nuova district in Milan. Following an insightful explanation by Isabella Inti, Co-Director of the Master M-US-T Program at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, the team focused on key projects including the Vertical Forest (Bosco Verticale) designed by Boeri Studio, the UniCredit Tower by César Pelli, and the Library of Trees (Biblioteca degli Alberi) by Inside Outside studio. These projects demonstrated innovative practices in brownfield regeneration within high-density urban areas, transforming inefficient urban land into sustainable spaces with composite value through ecological architecture and functional reshaping, reflecting cutting-edge strategies for brownfield transformation.

Subsequently, the team proceeded to the CityLife district for site visits, focusing on CityLife Park designed by Gustafson Porter + Bowman, the three landmark towers designed by Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Arata Isozaki respectively, Piazza Gino Valle designed by Topotek 1 (Gino Valle), and Parco Portello, designed in collaboration by landscape architect Charles Jencks and LAND. The team gained a systematic understanding of the "holistic renewal" logic in brownfield regeneration, forming a complete and unified regeneration system from urban-level functional restructuring to the detailed creation of public spaces.

Finally, guided by Riccardo Maria Balzarotti, Partner at AOUMM Studio, the team inspected the San Cristoforo Station slow connection bridge project. As a vital link connecting industrial heritage with community life, the bridge fully demonstrated the potential of infrastructure-related brownfields in repairing the urban fabric and stimulating social vitality.

On the second day of the On-Site Case Studies, the team first visited the Bovisa Campus of Politecnico di Milano for a site survey. This area, a representative project of systematic remediation and regeneration, is currently under construction. Guided and systematically explained on-site by Andrea Balestrini, EUI Goccia Project Manager for the City of Milan, and Stefano Sapone, Goccia Area Project Organizer, the research team, wearing safety gear, went deep into the construction area. They exchanged views on key technical aspects such as site contamination treatment, structural renewal, and functional integration, further understanding the complexity and coping strategies of large-scale brownfield regeneration projects at the implementation level. Afterward, the team proceeded to the new campus of Politecnico di Milano for a brief rest and informal exchange.

The afternoon itinerary focused on the southern area of Milan. The research team visited Piazza Adriano Olivetti Milano designed by Carlo Masera, experiencing the strategies and effectiveness of transforming industrial heritage into public green space. Finally, they visited the Fondazione Prada, designed by OMA (led by Rem Koolhaas), to discuss the role and potential of cultural and artistic institutions in promoting district revitalization and quality improvement.

On the final day of the On-Site Case Studies, the research team conducted an in-depth visit to Parco Nord Milano (Milan North Park). During the explanation by Fabio Campana, Head of Environmental Services at Parco Nord Milano, the team learned that the main area of the park was established on the industrial wasteland of the Breda aerospace company after World War II. After decades of systematic ecological restoration and forest cultivation, it has now developed into a regional metropolitan park covering approximately 640 hectares. Through continuous afforestation, scientific maintenance, and smart management, the park has successfully transformed from an industrial brownfield into urban green infrastructure, becoming a model case of ecological reconstruction and land regeneration in the Milan metropolitan area. As a representative practice of brownfield transformation in Milan, Parco Nord provided scholars with a highly inspiring example of ecological governance and planning design, and it also brought the series of On-Site Case Studies to a successful conclusion.