The new book launch conference for the Chinese version of the “Jigsaw City, AECOM’s Redefinition of the Asian New Town” was successfully held in Beijing, which jointly organized by China Building Industry Press and AECOM.

This book aims to share the case study of AECOM’s participation in the construction of new urban areas in multiple cities in Asia, with relevant departments, companies, professionals, and citizens involved in urban construction industry. It also witnessed AECOM’s enthusiasm for the urban design and planning, as well as its exploration and innovation in addressing the fundamental challenges of the city. Half of the world’s 200 largest developing cities are located in Asia. Continuing urbanization brings many complex problems, including the continuous transformation of the population into cities, and the multiple changes of public preferences, lifestyles and expectations with social and economic development. All must be dealt with in a deliberate and breakthrough manner. AECOM likens various challenges to related jigsaws. In order to create an ideal quality of life and environment, we must fight together in one piece.

This book presented the new urban environment created by AECOM in Asia, from the Hong Kong’s New Town to the urban renewal of Tokyo, to the urban design of Ningbo New City, and ecological landscape remodeling of several lake cities in Suzhou, Jining and others, and the Industrial corridors related to the future development of India, etc. The cases presented in this book show that most of the successful construction of the new urban area is due to a smart combination of urban governance, construction scale, transportation and density. From the outset, the construction of the New Town area needs strong political determination as the backbone and far-sighted thinking as guidance. The scale should be large enough to achieve various uses and be well connected with the existing transportation system. The planning should also encourage intensive and compact city life. Bringing these elements together will help ease the pressure of urbanization in a region that is in the process of transformative development.

Mr. Sean Chiao, AECOM Asia Pacific President, stated at the new book launch: “Building a good city is like building a perfect jigsaw. Throughout the entire process, the operation, management, and even maintenance and repair of future cities will require repeated scrutiny and experimentation. The perfect city has always been unique, and it complements the most unique spirit, culture, and ecological environment in the local area. Therefore, we need to respect and understand the local conditions, combine the indispensable pieces of these jigsaws into a vision of the city’s current reality and future development with an open, far-sighted and cooperative attitude.”

The event also invited experts from China Urban Planning Association, Beijing Urban Planning and Design Institute, Tsinghua University, Renmin University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ernst & Young, as well as more than 100 professionals and university student representatives. It also discussed the topic of China’s ideal urban design and planning. Several experts pointed out that the core of urban development in the future is the quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an accurate reflection on the future vision of the city. AECOM has prepared this book based on its experience in participating in the process of urbanization in various areas of Asia. This book has a very positive reference meaning for urban planners and operators to be people-centered and to lead the industry and the general public in building the future of the city.