ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the recent transformation of Jiefangbei, the symbolic central area of Chongqing that is the largest municipality in West China. It scrutinizes two high-rise building booms and the pedestrianization process in Jiefangbei’s redevelopment during the past two decades through eight case studies and several interviews with key players. The research focuses on the urban design dimension, particularly concerning the impacts of vertical development of commercial buildings upon public spaces including streets, squares, and pocket places. The chapter reveals both merits and compromises of commercialism in relation to the creation of the public realm, and presents several key lessons of planning and urban design in the realm of public policy.
