Future ShanShui City

2020

The design proposal for the Future Shanshui City in Lishui, China, reimagines traditional cultural and architectural elements for the 21st century, creating a balance between urban development and the natural landscape. Inspired by the vernacular courtyard typology and ShanShui paintings, the design introduces "Urban Rooms", defined spaces framed by buildings or trees that integrate low-density housing or gardens. This innovative approach fosters a close-knit community while avoiding urban sprawl, ensuring a future-proof model that respects the region’s cultural heritage and natural environment.

description
team

The masterplan spans five distinct neighborhoods, each with unique identities, such as the Portal of ShanShui and the Guyan Painting Countryside, which serves as the project’s spiritual heart. Key landscape strategies include providing "Room for the River" to prevent flooding, enhancing water quality, and creating dynamic wetlands and productive landscapes. The plan also emphasises sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and a blue-green infrastructure that connects urban and rural areas. By blending modern urban planning with Lishui’s historical water management systems, the proposal creates a resilient, sustainable, and culturally rich environment for future generations.