Exploring Innovative District Planning for Generation Z:
Theoretical Deduction and Teaching Experiment
Ye Yuan, Yuyao Wu, Yichen Tang, Jiali Liu
Abstract：Innovation districts serves as a crucial platform for aggregating urban innovation activities. In the current context of
innovation transformation in China, the thoughtful planning and construction of urban innovation districts are crucial.
As digital natives and a key force in future innovation, Generation Z presents new demands for urban spaces shaped
by their distinct values and lifestyles. By examining the concepts of “innovation district” and summarizing its design
and construction features, this study, in conjunction with the generational traits and specific demands of Generation Z,
deduces innovation district planning principles aligned with Generation Z preferences. Using the Yixin Lake Sci-Tech
City in Chengdu as a site for urban design teaching course, these planning principles are applied in teaching. Based
on an practical exploration of a student group work, we further refined the planning strategies: creating a “liquidized”
ubiquitous public realm; laying out embedded, diversified, and distinctive innovation activity carriers; establishing a
multi-type, green, highly connected public space network; forming a compact community life circle with a high-density
of public services; and facilitating dialogue-based community operational mechanisms with life experimentation and
flat governance structures.
