Location: Linfen, China.

Architect: Ecoland Planning and Design Corp., and Tunghsu Azure Renewable Energy Co., Ltd.,.

The Lao-Ju River Oasis project in Linfen, China, has transformed a polluted and derelict river into a green “Living Filter” and vibrant civic space. The project is the prototype section of a massive reconstruction plan of the Lao-Ju River Master Plan, becoming an important reference and model for the future transformation of the river. The project is hailed as a model for redefining urban life, a catalyst for residential and commercial growth, and a significant contributor to the city’s sustainable tourist industry. The design initiative was a public space that catered to the large number of urban residents located south of the site, and also an ecologically-sustainable natural habitat for wildlife in the nearby woodlands. The approach was to treat both humans and wildlife as equally important patrons of the park. A series of walking paths along the river reconnects adjacent neighborhoods to this vibrant landscape, granting access to the river’s edge for the first time in a century. The river itself divides the park into two parts. The northern river is designated as a bird and wildlife habitat, while the southern portion is comprised of community parks serving the residents. Within the wetland, floating islands provide valuable habitat for birds while carefully placed boardwalks keep human activity at a distance and provide views into the habitats. Infrastructure reformed the river environment, aiming to create a destination for people and wildlife that establishes a sustainable riverfront park that enables recreational first-hand encounters. The re-graded river’s edge recreates the naturally protective floodplain with retention ponds and wetlands, while the new composition eliminates the damaging effects of stormwater in the surrounding neighborhoods. The polluted river was cleared and is now a fresh public park and waterscape. Residents already benefit from this initial project phase. Migratory and resident birds have come to the waterscape in large numbers. The river area previously had neither space for the native wildlife, nor for people to interact. Through a revitalized ecology, as well as footbridges and paths, the park is now a space for animals and people to peacefully co-exist. Since the park’s completion, the river that once posed a continual threat of flooding to nearby streets is now capable of managing the ebb and flow of water volume during storms and daily tidal fluctuations. Today, the river meanders its way amidst walking paths, rest areas and park amenities, creating a peaceful, yet stimulating, environment for people and wildlife. Phase I of the Lao-Ju River Oasis project is now a high-performance landscape contributing to the vibrancy and wealth of the region.

Photo credit: Runzhou Park Construction Engineering Project Management Co., Ltd.,.