EASTXINQIAOREDEVELOPMENT

The design proposal by RSH+P for the redevelopment of the East Xinqiao district in Shanghai, China, shall provide new space for timely industrial, commercial, and residential use. Whilst working for Urban Systems Design, our Founding Partner Bálint developed the sustainability strategy for the masterplan and coordinated the MEP concept proposal.

Based on the project specific context, five sustainability focus areas have been defined: ‘symbiosis’, ‘human well-being’, ‘carbon neutrality’, ‘circular economy’ and ‘coupling with nature’.

This was translated into the architectural concept through:

• intense vegetation providing solar and wind protection, visual comfort and space for food production in ‘urban style’ while reducing the urban heat island effect,
• permeable ground surfaces as part of the ‘sponge city’ concept allowing storm water to run off,
• urban canopies producing solar energy and protecting from solar radiation in the hot season and heavy rainfall in the rainy season,
• porous buildings permitting air movement for natural ventilation,
• demolition material from the existing buildings in East Xinqiao being reused for the new construction and
• ‘smart city’ infrastructure monitoring the environmental performance of buildings and public spaces, contributing to programmes raising awareness and fostering active engagement of habitants in reducing their environmental footprint.

Image credits to RSH+P and USD.