Ojanen_Chiou Architects shared with us their first prize winning proposal for the Kunshan Huaqiao Forum and Hotel where the city is known as the birthplace of traditional Kunqu opera, and is renowned for its unique canal townships in the Yangtze River Delta. The effort to create synergy between urban development and environmental habitat, while creating numerous layers of experience that maximize the use and enjoyment of the water’s edge, became the inspiration for the organization and form of the architecture. As the centerpiece of the entire development, the buildings seek to exemplify an adaptive, ecological and progressive spirit while retaining a strong connection to local cultural traditions. More images and architects’ description after the break.
In 2008, the competition sponsor called for ideas for a new 955,000sm waterfront commercial district at a key oxbow portion of the Wusong River in order to support the area’s booming economy while creating public amenities and open space and ameliorating the effects of decades of industrial development. In the winning scheme, SWA Group, in conjunction with Herrera Environmental Consultants, proposed a localized bioremediation program to improve the river water quality and restore the local ecology. The key component of the SWA master plan is a wetland water- treatment park that feeds into an inner bay encompassed by a riparian edge for wildlife habitat, activity areas including beaches, trails, gardens, plazas, and fountains, and a series of commercial buildings that will include a conference center (Forum), hotel and villas.
