Location: Ningbo, China.

Architect: One Design.

The site is located in the north of the Three Rivers Joint, which is the symbolic center of Ningbo. A new masterplan has been created for the area due to development pressure, and the urban design is a review and adjustment of this plan. The site has a rich history, from being a rural area to a prosperous center of industry and trade, and now a less developed center city area. The design strategy aims to deliver a coordinated vision rooted in the site’s history and context. At a micro scale, the design aims to reduce the isolation of urban islands, both residential and commercial. For the residential part, there will be less requirements for in block green coverage, but more open greens outside to form urban eco-corridors and parks. For the commercial part, there will be more interconnection at upper levels to allow more functional semi-public space. Linear plazas, pedestrian bridges, and mixed-use public buildings will be used to form a new continuous people-friendly network. The strategy is focused on creating a pedestrian and alternative transportation system, moving away from a car transportation model. The vehicular space will be reduced, and the focus will be on improving the area’s livability. The monotonous street interface of sidewalks will be transformed into a series of public spaces that create pleasant open areas, provide facilities, or bring activities to the neighborhood. The streets will be tailored specifically for their different roles instead of a generic grid that covers the entire area.

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