The project covers a site area of 5.53 km2 in Shijiazhuang, the capital city of Hebei Province in China. Positioned along the city’s extended central axis, the project serves as a model for riverfront development, integrating the old city, new district, universities, innovation, technology, and waterfront activities.
Addressing the challenges of drought and flooding, the proposal introduces an amphibious city concept for harmonious coexistence of nature and urbanity. Specific measures include renaturalizing the riverbanks in accordance with inundation lines to create submersible amphibious floodplains, replacing traditional embankments with wide shoals that mimic natural flow patterns, and restoring floodplain boundaries.
The proposed eco-sensitive approach for the new urban area in a city characterized by high pollution levels and a shortage of natural spaces seeks to address environmental challenges while fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship between the urban and natural elements. The primary focus is on leveraging the edge effect between the city and the river, encouraging exploration and optimal utilization of the multi-dimensional connection with the water, and simultaneously restoring ecological zones.
To bring this vision to life, the masterplan introduces innovative and interactive elements along the waterfront, serving as a dynamic interface that enhances the quality of life for the entire Shijiazhuang community. The incorporation of prominent programs aims to create new public attractions, transforming the urban-river interface into a vibrant and accessible space for residents.
Furthermore, the proposal envisions the reconstruction of topography, forming gentle hills and low-lying valleys to enhance habitat creation and functionality of the area. High island hills are identified as suitable locations for buildings and structures, creating special amphibious zones that can adapt to fluctuations in water levels.
The project’s overarching goal is to create a symbiotic relationship between the river and urban district, maximizing synergies for environmental sustainability, community well-being, and resilience to changing conditions. This integrated strategy prioritizes ecological restoration, adaptive design, and the creation of vibrant, people-centric spaces, embodying a thoughtful approach to urban development.
4 strategies to shape a new relationship between the city and water :
Amphibious City
- Symbiosis with water to build an amphibious city where nature and urbanity are in harmony
In response to regional challenges of drought and flooding, we aim to build a resilient landscape that harmonizes nature and urban development. By renaturalizing riverbanks and replacing hard embankments, we create amphibious zones to alleviate water management pressures.
Vibrant River
- Two characteristic identities for the 2 rivers, introducing new types of waterfront public life
The design strategy leverages the distinct characteristics of the two rivers: Hutuo River, a natural habitat for migratory birds and fish, and Taiping River, which is closely connected to the urban environment. The river habitat along Hutuo River and the Sport Corridor along Taiping River will offer diverse destinations for various visitors.
Fun City
- 5 vibrant urban clusters united together by the activity ring
The design incorporates five main themes for different program clusters, each fostering a unique relationship with the adjacent river and promoting local identity. An activity ring connects all public nodes within each cluster, creating a diverse yet cohesive urban sequence.
New Communities
- Future-oriented urban model for low-carbon and sustainable neighbourhoods
Sustainability and circularity are central to the new neighborhoods. With smart transportation system, passive architecture, renewable energy, zero-waste management, and cutting-edge sustainable technologies, this area will serve as a test field for an ideal urban-natural habitat.
3 key zone as pilot projects to practice our methodologies
Lifestyle Bay: River for Everyone
The Lifestyle Bay is an urban quarter designed for everyone, from local communities to occasional visitors. It serves as a hub for daily life while hosting events and public attractions, making the waterfront a landmark for all Shijiazhuang citizens.
The diverse landscape focuses on creating interactive public spaces, featuring terraces, playgrounds, and viewing platforms. It is designed to manage heavy rains by capturing and delaying runoff, creating floodable areas for extreme events. During dry seasons, stored water is re-activated to fill the gaps.
Energy and sustainability systems operate at the cluster level, with community-scale solutions empowering users to participate in sustainable strategies, supported by interactive networks and building-scale systems.
Design District: Arts and Innovation meet together
The functions and scales of the buildings transition from large to small as they move towards the waterfront. Peripheral plots house large structures like an art academy and an art center, while smaller courtyards and mixed-use functions are arranged closer to the central area.
Two types of ecological experiences converge in this node: a landmark urban park with diverse art installations and commercial functions, and a wild, natural riverbank experience.
Public spaces are designed to delay runoff, filter, and store rainwater during the rainy season, then release and reuse it during the dry season, ensuring flexible and responsive water management.
The design of this cluster adopts a village-like structure and organization, enabling hierarchical resource recycling and reuse to minimize waste. Collaborative efforts and systematic support from a sustainability center ensure low-carbon performance across the area.
Bio-seum: When Ecology becomes Spectacle
4+1 Bio-domes with semi-artificial habitats offer an interactive ecological experience for visitors. Each dome has its own unique features, allowing visitors to trace the ecological evolution history of Shijiazhuang and experience various landscapes.
The technology and design of the ecological domes transform the super natural museum into a botanical garden, where visitors can explore diverse ecological environments. It goes beyond nature and diversity.
The water system uses a restoration strategy directly connected to the river. Each dome relies on natural ventilation and evaporation strategies to maintain optimal humidity levels.
By integrating photovoltaics into the glass, the super natural museum domes are interconnected, exchanging heat and energy according to their needs. Due to their different temperature and humidity levels, they can share excess heat or cool energy, providing visitors with an energy-efficient and comfortable visiting environment.
Urbanizing less, urbanizing better. This project shows that there is a higher value in a more sensitive approach towards city-making.
Shijiazhuang Taiping River Area Urban Design
Designer Name: MLA+ B.V.
Collaborators: China Academy of Urban Planning & Design
Image Credits: MLA+ & China Academy of Urban Planning & Design
