CONTEXT
Area: 28,111 m²
Users: Workers, Families
Land Zone: Industrial
Location: Suzhou, China
Steelworks to an art zone
This project takes its inspiration from traditional Suzhou walls surrounding public & protected spaces. This project's goals are to maximize walkability/reduce car use, promote bicycling, create a natural escape from daily urban life and bring back special Suzhou characteristics.
Waterfront Reclamation
Waterfront development is not something typical in Suzhou. This project, however, uses the waterfront as a resting, Tai Chi, dancing, singing, opera, bicycling, coffee shop and library spaces.
In terms of land use, industrial zoning is transitioned to commercial. When designing the space, Beijing Art-Zone 798 elements were considered such as that a steel factory could be changed into a peaceful reading zone with coffee tables, another factory into a restaurant where people could enjoy authentic Suzhou food, or into latest technology showcase.
Site Elements
While regeneration of factories was one of the most important stages for the site, another core element is the creation of two terraces on the edges of the peninsula. This creates a second layer that can serve as an extension of the southern park. Why? Because it gives the visitors a feeling of cultural protection, importance and conservation. Such green elevation creates 360 panoramic views to the surrounding residential, educational, park and commercial areas.
The elements are, left to right order, Suzhou garden arc-creates a picturesque view from one side to another just like in a painting. A pedestrian-bicycle bridge connects the site with West. Medium-sized trees that blend in with arcs. Terraces-serve as panoramic leisure spots for people to walk, sit and enjoy the surrounding canal and city view. Bench-promenade as seen in European cities like Barcelona are here to reconnect people with water. Semi-open cut frame as an exhibition space. Intruded style as a coffee rest space. The frame-only style for urban agriculture. Glass-panel style for interior events. Diamond frame glass style as a book store. Vertical-horizontal mix style as a Suzhou antique store. Horizontal full glass as an authentic Suzhou restaurant.
