LOCATION
Suzhou, China
DATE
2020
SIZE
1000 ha
TYPE
International Urban Design Competition
STATUS
3rd prize
CLIENT
Suzhou Natural Resources and Planning Bureau, SND Education Industry Development
PROJECT TEAM
Martin Arfalk, Patrick Verhoeven, Chuhan Zhang, Andrei Deacu, Shan Jiang, Siyu Lu, Cyril Pavlu
COLLABORATORS
Nanjing University Urban Planning and Design Institute
Taihu Science City is to become one of the most important carriers of global science in China. The project’s aim is to build a cosmopolitan, innovative and world-class ecological district while providing an atmosphere for international scientific cooperation and competitiveness.
Taihu Science City
Sitting by Taihu Lake, a newly developed area of nearly a thousand hectares traditionally occupied by farmlands, is planned to become a cosmopolitan and innovative district oriented around scientific research. Its outermost edges reach Taihu Lake in the north, Taihu National Wetland Park in the south and the high-tech zone of Suzhou City in the east. With respect to local environment conditions and cultural context, the ambition of the project is to create a hyper-modern Science City, based on its compelling urban structure, predominantly scientific theme, and leading ecological technologies.
Together with the Urban Planning and Design Institute of Nanjing University, we propose a vision of Jiangnan Civilisation IV, a proposal that integrates long-established Jiangnan culture with innovative urban development.
Our design strategy derives from understanding the natural environment of the area, existing research industry, and local culture. Five green corridors run through the district, setting a foundation for resilient functioning of the area by forming a blue-green network connected to the mountains in the site. This natural framework allows for the reintroduction of typical Suzhou water villages into the plan. The urban structure is shaped around three main cores with varied functional program, combining research industry, public spaces, community centres, and services. These key areas are surrounded by multiple living clusters, and while each of them is oriented around a different branch of study and research, they are designed to enhance the exchange of knowledge and experience in a cross-pollinating manner.
Nature corridors run through the area
Key areas with varied functional program
Cross-pollinating living clusters
East-west regional innovation corridor
Mixed community and program merge
New spatial structure
Taihu Science City Masterplan
Proposed extension of Suzhou City blends naturally with surrounding urban gardens connected by green corridors.
Key research areas within different clusters
Landmark edges
Traffic network
Landmark area: visual connections
Integrated water system
Blue-green network along Taihu Lake coastline connects to the mountains on site and Taihu Wetland Park using the existing water system and creating spatial objectives for the urban structure.
Nature based connections
Blue-green connection links central area of the development with existing Taihu Wetland Park.
Cultural program
City parks network
Science Center
Science Center is the beating heart of the new development encompassing research facilities, exhibition areas, key public spaces and recreational program. By introducing ecological technologies and connecting the center to the blue-green network, the city and nature are seamlessly integrated, becoming a contemporary interpretation of a ‘scientific garden’.
Vibrant daily life
Taihu Science City does not only pioneer in innovation and technology, but also provides daily scientific experiences for the local community, being at the same time a fantastic attraction for visitors!
Stimulating environment
Science Center public spaces are filled with cutting edge technologies, making them inspiring and thrilling places.
Research & Innovation Campus
Green, pedestrian friendly and lower scale campus is a perfect environment for developing research and innovation based community.
Research & Innovation Campus
Living spaces and green areas blend uninterruptedly
Interactive exhibition areas: Science meets Tradition
As embroidery and silk were important aspects of the local culture, one of the clusters is oriented around the art and science behind embroidery and how can it be used in scientific research.
