Location: Wuhan, China.

Architect: ASPECT Studios.

One City Development is a mixed-use cultural and commercial hub located in Wuhan, China. The design brief aimed to create a landmark destination that reflects the merger between contemporary Wuhan living and the local cultural mythology of the ‘Chinese Phoenix’. The design approach reflects the modern lifestyle of a ‘New Generation’ of Wuhan citizens, with a series of diverse spaces, nodes and experiences connected and unified by a fluid gesture and movement to replicate that of a Phoenix. The centerpiece of the initial phase is a sweeping layered fountain and water play space, designed to provide dual purpose in response to the project’s needs. The fountain is surrounded by a line of Gingko trees that provide a striking elevated canopy of colour throughout the year. A series of ‘’social edges’’ merge into the curves of the waters edge, sculptured from local stone to manipulate and guide visitor’s movement and to encourage social exchange. The design combines three contrasting tones of local granite paving, used in a bold sweeping motion to define the movement, functionality and spatial hierarchy of the design. Specialist lighting design integrates the precinct’s architecture and landscape, helping define each area to provide a unique and playful nighttime experience, supporting the changing demographic of users from corporate weekdays to entertainment and community life. The design seeks to be cultural and inspiring, humanistic and socially engaging, providing a dynamic new urban domain for the community of Wuhan and platform for life to play out on.

Photo credit: Arch-Exist.