The Pazhou Central Business District (CBD) is China’s first “Science and Technology CBD + Bay Area TOD” complex in the city of Guangzhou. Starting from the initial stage of urban planning, the landscape system has been emphasized as green infrastructure connecting the future CBD, transportation hub, residential area and the Huangpu Chong River, mitigating the urban heat island. The 300-meter-long, 4-hectare Pazhou South Waterfront Park restores the natural riverfront from the existing rigid embankment, connecting the ecological corridors to the city. Integrating nature inspiration, ecological restoration and urban lifestyle, the park brings accessible nature riverside experience and public open spaces to the heart of the booming CBD.

 

Located along the Huangpu Chong River, connecting to Pazhou CBD, Pazhou Waterfront Park draws its design inspiration from the nature mountainous geographic features of Guangzhou. Designing with over 4-meter elevation change from the city to the waterfront, sculptural and organic landforms are created in the park, mitigating the existing linear engineering embankment, bringing back the natural experience and eco-habitats into the city center. Varies topographies forms spatial experience such as valleys, hills, plains and shores, that are carefully integrated with different open space programs. As a green infrastructure at the heart of Pazhou CBD, Pazhou Waterfront Park provides valuable opportunities for the community to reconnect with nature and water.

 

Reshape the Rigid Embankment

With a thorough understanding of the flood control requirement, the design softens the existing rigid embankments by introducing organic landforms and meandering riverside walks to dissolve the linear structures. Embracing the dynamic natural water fluctuations with careful arrangements of programs and planting species, the park creates a seamless integration of landscape, people, and water. The topography and walkways are meticulously designed to preserve the fourteen lush existing trees on the riverside.

 

Provide Diverse Open Spaces

Interweaving riverside walkways covered by trees provide great opportunities for joggers and cyclists to experience nature and the river at different elevations. Connected by the walkways, a series of waterfront open spaces provide public recreation and event opportunities along the river, integrating the urban lifestyle of CBD with natural experience.

On the east side of the park, an elevated walkway traverses the undulating green valley and the forest, connecting to a water plaza, which is surrounded by lush plantings creating a refreshing summer recreational space. The plaza can be temporarily drained out, becoming a waterfront stage for public events. The upper walkway extends out to the water’s edge forming the central overlook, offering a splendid view to the Guangzhou Tower and urban skyline, creating a new riverside landmark and urban viewing point.

 

Underneath the overlook, a grand amphitheater provides a community gathering space, with a great lawn on the west side accommodating large urban events. At the same time provides a new perspective to the Huangpu Chong River and the city skyline. On the edge of the river, a community playground inspired by the river rock is carefully designed with the existing tree.

 

Pazhou South Waterfront Park by SWA – Landscape Architecture Platform | Landezine