OPEN THE GATES!

[Doors Open Doumen] Scene Design International Competition | Second Award

“Open the Gates!” is an award-winning conceptual project developed for the Doors Open Doumen Scene Design International Competition, securing the Second Award. The project aims to redefine the relationship between historical heritage and contemporary urban renewal, breathing new life into Doumen Ancient Town while preserving its cultural essence.

Doumen, an ancient town dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, retains its historical urban fabric with stone-paved streets, double-story houses, waterfront alleys, and traditional bridges. However, as Shaoxing’s last remaining old street amidst modernization, it faces challenges of urban hollowing, spatial disorder, and commercial stagnation.

This project proposes a differentiated revitalization strategy, moving away from the conventional commercial development along the main street. Instead, it introduces a “Three Ports & One Axis” spatial framework to balance heritage preservation, commercial vitality, and community needs:

• Central Commercial Port: The primary gateway and a key public space integrating Doumen Bridge, waterfront areas, and the eastern entrance plaza. The design reinterprets traditional 廊楼廊 (covered corridors)using modern architectural language, blending in historical “water management” philosophies and creating an inviting urban threshold.

• Transit Hub Port: Positioned at the town’s eastern end near the main road, this hub streamlines tourist circulation while enhancing commercial interactions. A pedestrian corridor connects it seamlessly with the commercial port, maintaining Doumen’s historical continuity.

• Local Living Port: Dedicated to the town’s residents, this area enhances daily life services, providing upgraded amenities while retaining the authenticity of local lifestyles.

• Heritage Axis: The central water street axis preserves Doumen’s original streetscape while integrating new tourist experiences. The riverbanks are restored to improve accessibility and integrate local dining, offering a truly immersive cultural journey.

By revitalizing historical spaces, reintroducing cultural landmarks, and balancing tourism with local life, Open the Gates! seeks to reshape Doumen Ancient Town as a living heritage space, where past and present coalesce in an interactive, experiential, and economically sustainable urban fabric.