Research on Functional Configuration Strategies for the Redevelopment of a Metro Vehicle Base in Guangzhou

BAI Fei

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.01.005

Abstract：The redevelopment of vehicle bases has provided a solution to the conflict between the repurposing of large vehicle base construction facilities and accommodating expanding urban development.It has become a key tenet of the Transit-Oriented Development(TOD)plan for urban rail transit areas.Since the implementation of the"12th Five-year Plan",Guangzhou has explored new building and development avenues by using the upper unused spaces of vehicle bases,achieving a number of practical outcomes.However,some problems persist,such as blown-out construction timelines,improper structures,differences in economic indicators,local traffic problems,and so on.By reviewing redevelopment cases in major cities around China and comparing them with ongoing projects,as well as examining relevant policies and regulations in Guangzhou,some functional configuration strategies appropriate for the redevelopment of vehicle bases in Guangzhou were proposed,aiming to provide benchmarks and reference points for future projects. The scale and layout of potential redevelopment sites play a crucial role in the early stages of repurposing vehicle bases,such as site selection and structural configuration.They not only determine the potential return on investment but also lay a solid foundation for building a high-efficiency,comfortable,and vital TOD urban complex.Based on national norms and Guangzhou's local standards,key indicators,including residential floor area ratio,public service amenities,parking facilities,and the production-to-housing ratio,were estimated preliminarily.Moreover,the primary redevelopment sites were divided into two types and four zones according to the technological requirements and structural features of vehicle bases:heavy-load zones(covering the utilization warehouse and maintenance warehouse)and light-load zones(covering the throat zone and entrance/exit sections).On this basis,the configuration of the site and load reservation for the primary structure could be estimated,thus assigning level-1 and level-2 developments. The redevelopment of vehicle bases in Guangzhou has progressively formed a"living+supporting"mode of development,integrating education,business,and community services,as well as other auxiliary functions.New projects have paid increasing attention to more refined building designs,quality social spaces,and integrated level-1 and level-2 developments,forming three main redesign strategies:residual units in sky gardens,modularized ultra-large parking garages,and the vertically integrated design of public service facilities. For overall planning,these approaches have achieved redevelopment objectives by integrating and optimizing the functional layout of vehicle bases while also catering to different functional zones and column-network features in each unique structure.With respect to vertical design,comprehensive consideration is given to ensuring integrated connection with regional traffic and municipal facilities to create spatial environments that facilitate easy vehicle travel and that are pedestrian-friendly.To better maintain structural integrity,more refined structural transformation,mode selection,and reservation design are proposed according to different functional formats and development intensities.Large reservoir areas are subject to mild vibrations and noises,making them suitable for high-intensity reconfigurations.A frame-supported shear wall and full conversion structure are used in line with the general layout.In the trail area with dense rails and crossroads,the column network of the structure is irregular.Considering the influence of vibration and noises,they are more suitable for low-intensity redevelopments.Moreover,green landscapes and activity sites should be reserved for level-2 or level-1 projects.This can help direct investment to level-1 developments effectively while maintaining the flexibility of level-2 developments.