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River Beach Wave Park
By : Inlab Studio
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Cultural & Institutional Project : Gold Certification
Situated in Wuchang Bay, encompassing approximately 1.6 kilometers of Wuhan’s picturesque waterfront, this project stands as a testament to the rich cultural and urban heritage flanking the banks of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Nestled within the historic fabric of Wuchang, it inherits centuries of cultural significance while occupying the site of the former Wuchang Shipyard, a pioneering bastion of modern industrial civilization. Adjacent to the Second Ring Road and the Parrot Island Yangtze River Bridge, the architecture commands attention as the focal point of the landscape, amidst an expanse devoid of obstruction.
Here, our exploration delves into the creation of a more distinct impression of future Wuchang, accentuating the ebb and flow of time and history, and offering contemporary denizens a more harmonious, tranquil, and diverse way of life. The site serves as a nexus between riverine vistas and urbanity, seamlessly integrating distribution, interaction, and artistic expression into its core strategies. By cultivating a natural, inclusive environment, we aim to foster a wave of urban vitality encapsulated within the Wuchang Riverside Park.
The essence of this project lies in its meticulous integration of spatial location and natural assets, a testament to scholarly urban design principles. Positioned adjacent to the river, the architectural and landscape elements are thoughtfully curated to engage in a discourse with the surrounding river views, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and nature.
Functioning as a nexus between future lifestyles and environmental resources, the site is envisioned as a communal space characterized by openness and inclusivity, embodying a scholarly approach to spatial organization. By harmonizing disparate elements and materials through innovative spatial configurations, the design accommodates both individual experiences and communal interactions, reflecting a nuanced understanding of community dynamics.
A scholarly consideration is given to pedestrian and vehicular circulation patterns, ensuring an organic and seamless integration of the riverside plaza with the surrounding road network. Multiple access points to the riverside promenade and plaza are strategically positioned, providing visitors with diverse experiential opportunities.
Beneath the verdant landscaping and foliage, inspired by the hues of the Parrot Island Yangtze River Bridge, the plaza boasts a vibrant water feature crafted from red terracotta tiles. This open-wave theater serves as a focal point, inviting scholarly discourse and social congregation amidst the surrounding greenery.
The utilization of colorful terracotta tiles not only facilitates water permeation but also underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. Through the strategic incorporation of native and adaptive plant species, the design promotes biodiversity and ecological resilience, embodying a scholarly approach to environmental stewardship.
Whether it be the parking lot or the forecourt leading to the building, the site embodies an organic flow and spatial freedom, meticulously balanced through the intervention of curved forms alongside meticulous paving and thoughtfully curated botanical selections. These interventions seamlessly reconcile the transitional nature of the space with an atmosphere conducive to pausing, reflection, and observation.
Drawing inspiration from the symbolic Yangtze River, a substantial water feature is strategically integrated on the southern facade of the building. Complemented by roadways that hug the water’s edge and the deliberate design of reverse arc-shaped water features, this installation delineates and envelops the spatial domain, providing occupants with an immersive experience of the minimalist aquatic panorama through expansive glass windows indoors.
On the distant horizon, the grandeur of the Yangtze River and the architectural marvel of the Parrot Island Bridge serve as a harmonious backdrop, where the fusion of artificial interventions seamlessly intertwines with the inherent resources of the locale.
In the pursuit of both preserving the cultural legacy of the shipyard and crafting memorable contemporary plaza experiences, this endeavor navigates the delicate balance between heritage conservation and modern innovation. It strives to leave an indelible mark of authenticity by retaining the original essence of the shipyard while ingeniously repurposing its industrial structures into modern installations. These vestiges of the past seamlessly interweave with the present, serving as poignant reminders of history while enriching the urban fabric as modern public art.
The design ethos of this project transcends conventional landscape paradigms by acknowledging and responding to often overlooked aspects of spatial design. It meticulously considers elements such as human behavior patterns, natural lighting dynamics, surrounding flora, morphological features, and cultural narratives. By marrying respect for local heritage with contemporary ecological principles and an inclusive design approach, the project enhances the site’s functionality, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal in a scholarly manner.
Amidst the site’s revitalization, the establishment of a novel ecological paradigm and the transmission of industrial cultural ethos emerge as pivotal academic pursuits, alongside considerations of comfort, biodiversity, and sustainability.
From the meticulously curated floral displays of the coffee bar area to the deliberate selection of tree species such as elms, chinaberries, and goldenrain trees, as well as shrubs like privets, Mexican sage, and evergreen honeysuckle, and ground covers like boxwoods and evergreen honeysuckle, every botanical element is chosen to orchestrate a multifaceted natural tableau, evoking contemplation and engagement. This deliberate integration of flora aims to evoke both aesthetic appreciation and ecological harmony, a testament to the scholarly principles of landscape design.
Collaboration
