The Brief
Formerly a derelict, abandoned waste land, Nantong Eco-corridor is ecologically recovered and transformed into a colossally longest greenway of the core Nantong new development zone; successfully reconnecting human beings with nature through an abundance of efficient and interconnected greenways. In response to the nationwide fitness campaign and increasing demand from the local residents for public green spaces, Eco-corridor landscape and ecological planning were reconsidered by the local government in 2008. We, the landscape designers, are currently working closely with urban planners, ecologists and landscape engineers to take a sustainable approach in transforming the place into a social and ecological park.
The Problem
The greenway lies in Yangtze River delta eco-region, due to the ruthless and rapid industrialization and urbanization in the past few years, the harmony of Yangtze Delta wetland ecosystem has been disrupted and has suffered from heavy metals, organic pollution, invasive species and acid rain. Rivers and lakes has lost their resiliency to water and lost their capacity for self-cleansing.
The Solution
Nantong was the birthplace of modern textile industry, which is well-known for its blue printed fabric. Inspired by the art of fabric weaving, a new ecosystem was named ‘Landscape Ribbon’ which plays a vital role in completing the urban Greenland system as well as in providing multi-functional spaces such as a recreational venue, a cultural journey, an ecological display and educational experience. Through this new development, the park successfully integrates the water’s reconnective and self-purification properties as well as provides a solid eco-corridor and habitats for urban wild lives.
– Our solution and design intent was to:
– Optimized the Connectivity of Regional Water Systems
– Sustainable Water Management
– Diverse Ecological Habitats
– Environmental Friendly Ecological Approach
– Site Specific Terrain Shaping
– Reconstruct Relationship between Human and Nature
– Fusion of Civic Activities with Local Culture
– Effectively Promote Urban Development
The Progress
The project covers an area of about 526 acres and stretches 4.7 miles from north to south. The first phase of Eco-corridor, which is approximately 242 acres, was opened to the public last October 2017, while the remaining Phases will be implemented as scheduled in 2018. Recognising the importance of forest belt, wetlands and aquatic plants in reconstructing the three-dimensional ecological corridor, an emphasis on water system construction, topography modeling, and riverside wetland reconstruction were made throughout the design process. According to the concept of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), various ways of rainwater collection measure, including green roofs, permeable materials, bio-swale, drainage straws and riverside wetlands, are widely implemented and initially precipitated to purify the collected rainwater before importing into the main lake in Eco-corridor. The excavation of water system trenches to specifically create rich and varied rolling terrain is widely utilized throughout the site. With a stable native plant communities and terrain shaping as a green barrier, the site effectively reduces the noise from the urban roads within the corridor and improves the quality of the habitat for everyone. Eco-corridor successfully created a place where hydrophilic activities can be provided for all ages all year round. Considering the occurrence possibility of serious soil sands, soil erosion and uneven settlement, pond mud and organic manure were mixed into the existing soil to relatively stabilise the terrain. The usage of lush aquatic plants and local pine stave revetment significantly reduced the erosion of water and soil during flood period and normal days. 80% of Eco-corridor riverfront are soft edges, it nourishes a desirable habitat for birds and amphibians. The abundant mix of native species provide a bio-diversified multi-level green corridor platform for the wildlife and even for the entire city to replenish and reproduce.
Landscape design focuses on the integration of nature and local culture. The usage of ‘the terrain weaving’ to represent ‘Jianghai culture’ and identification of the entrances by referring to Chinese traditional 24 solar terms with different planting species represents the blending of local cultures with the design.
Why should this project be awarded?
Eco-corridor serves as the new green corridor of Nantong new development zone by using the form of ‘landscape ribbon’. By fully utilizing the existing and native resources, the corridor successfully enhances urban green space network, connects a variety of surrounding land uses, and promotes the combination of urban vitality and ecosystem protection. Through the terrain shaping, water system connection, local planting community configuration, storm water management and so on, Eco-corridor becomes a model for reaching the balance between ecological harmony and economic sustainability.
Entrant office name: AECOM Limited
Role of the entrant in the project: Lead Landscape Architect
Website: www.aecom.com
Other designers involved in the design of landscape: Guangdong Ruchun Landscape Design Co., Ltd.
Project location (Street, City, Country): Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
Design year: 2012-2013
Year Built: 2017