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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Energy & Infrastructure

Urban renewal's toughest challenge is people, not buildings: construction chairman

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A veteran construction executive emphasized that integrating residents is the most challenging aspect of urban renewal projects, not the construction itself.
  • The chairman of Puyong Construction sponsored a stage play about urban renewal to highlight the human element and communication involved.
  • The play aims to foster public understanding of urban renewal as a process of negotiation and emotional coordination among residents, families, and neighbors.

Urban renewal projects are incredibly difficult, not because of the construction, but because of the human element, according to Yang Yuehu, chairman of Puyong Construction. Yang, who has dedicated 30 years to the field, shared his frontline experiences at a press conference for the stage play "Urban Renewal Men and Women," which his company is sponsoring.

The road to urban renewal is very arduous. The real difficulty is not building houses, but gaining the trust of residents.

— Yang YuehuChairman of Puyong Construction, sharing his experience in urban renewal.

"The road to urban renewal is very arduous," Yang stated. He explained that securing resident consent is the most challenging part of any project, requiring significant time and communication to gather individual approvals. Puyong Construction aims to build not just luxury homes, but "good homes" that serve as vibrant spaces for living and interaction, creating new life values for residents.

The integration of residents is the most challenging aspect of urban renewal projects, not the construction itself.

— Yang YuehuChairman of Puyong Construction, speaking at a press conference.

The play, produced by Wang Weizhong, uses urban renewal as its backdrop, exploring themes of family, inheritance, and neighborly relations. Wang noted that with Taiwan's high proportion of old buildings, many citizens will face urban renewal challenges. He hopes the play, presented humorously, will encourage audiences to consider the interpersonal dynamics and family issues behind these projects.

Urban renewal is not just about building regulations, architecture, and development, but is full of friction between people.

— Yang YuehuCommenting on the relevance of the stage play 'Urban Renewal Men and Women'.

Actors shared their own experiences, with Sammi Cheng recalling a 5-year effort to reach consensus among just 19 households due to differing opinions. The play, touring Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung from August 14, aims to showcase the social phenomena behind urban renewal, emphasizing the coordination and choices involving families, neighbors, and emotions, beyond just rebuilding structures.

The key to a successful urban renewal project is not speed, but patience, professionalism, and sincerity. Only by establishing trust with residents can the integration work be completed step by step.

— Yang YuehuExplaining the principles of successful urban renewal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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