BEIJING: One of China’s leading architects wants to turn Tiananmen Square, best known for the 1989 student protests, into a green oasis.
Ma Yansong believes the square should be transformed into a landscaped forest, to highlight environmental issues and to provide a place where people can relax.
“We want to transform this empty political square into something that can be enjoyed,” he said.
A green belt was planned for Beijing in the 1990s, but China’s rapid growth and urban sprawl meant that the proposed land was swallowed up by new buildings.
Only 2.8% of Beijing is now green but, despite the need for more green space, it’s unlikely that the authorities will go ahead with these exciting plans.
The UK Guardian newspaper says that Chinese media have been banned from publishing images of the Tiananmen Square concept.
