CITY IN THE SKY
The “City in the Sky” transforms conventional concepts of urban design into high-rise building form as “vertical urban design”. From this, an unprecedented urban typology is infused into the traditional planning of Chinese cities, catalysing the emergence of an ambitious and innovative city. The architectural significance of the "City in the Sky” is its feature to effectively reduce the density of buildings and population on ground level, which is now able to be conserved for greening purposes.
The masterplan layout is primarily developed based on principles that prioritises ecological connectivity and super-green development. In order to maximise the ratio of natural ecology to the overall landmass of the Longhu Financial Centre, a series of ecological corridors is proposed as interlinked channels, establishing a green network, thereby bringing a comfortable and pleasurable space for the public.
It will likewise serve as a vast wetland park, with various bird species that will visit and improve the locality’s ecological diversity. Further to that, depending on the local four-season climate in Zhengzhou, a series of vegetation has been carefully selected and assimilated into the design of the super high-rise twin towers. The two super high rises stand out on the northern end of the Longhu Island, as if resembling a living urban tree—one of which withhold an essential role of purifying the air.
In order to greatly enhance the locality’s ecological diversity, the existing lakes will be transformed into a huge Wetland Park to attract birds that visit Longhu islands in order to achieve a city where architecture and ecological habitats co-exists. In addition to meeting the design requirements of the building, the scheme fulfils and exceeds the benchmark for green landscape planning. Moreover, the green space of Longhu Financial Center is not limited to the ground-level. The design of the Twin Towers is integrated with the vertical vegetation corridor, of which vegetation connects upwards from the ground plane to the buildings, creating a sense of three-dimensional depth and a hyper-green spatial design. This fully embodies the hyper-green urbanism that is desirable for the region.
CLIENT
Architectural Society of China
LOCATION
Long Hu, China
SITE AREA
34 acres
YEAR
2017 (Competition)
CITY IN THE SKY
The “City in the Sky” transforms conventional concepts of urban design into high-rise building form as “vertical urban design”. From this, an unprecedented urban typology is infused into the traditional planning of Chinese cities, catalysing the emergence of an ambitious and innovative city. The architectural significance of the "City in the Sky” is its feature to effectively reduce the density of buildings and population on ground level, which is now able to be conserved for greening purposes.
The masterplan layout is primarily developed based on principles that prioritises ecological connectivity and super-green development. In order to maximise the ratio of natural ecology to the overall landmass of the Longhu Financial Centre, a series of ecological corridors is proposed as interlinked channels, establishing a green network, thereby bringing a comfortable and pleasurable space for the public.
It will likewise serve as a vast wetland park, with various bird species that will visit and improve the locality’s ecological diversity. Further to that, depending on the local four-season climate in Zhengzhou, a series of vegetation has been carefully selected and assimilated into the design of the super high-rise twin towers. The two super high rises stand out on the northern end of the Longhu Island, as if resembling a living urban tree—one of which withhold an essential role of purifying the air.
In order to greatly enhance the locality’s ecological diversity, the existing lakes will be transformed into a huge Wetland Park to attract birds that visit Longhu islands in order to achieve a city where architecture and ecological habitats co-exists. In addition to meeting the design requirements of the building, the scheme fulfils and exceeds the benchmark for green landscape planning. Moreover, the green space of Longhu Financial Center is not limited to the ground-level. The design of the Twin Towers is integrated with the vertical vegetation corridor, of which vegetation connects upwards from the ground plane to the buildings, creating a sense of three-dimensional depth and a hyper-green spatial design. This fully embodies the hyper-green urbanism that is desirable for the region.
CLIENT
Architectural Society of China
LOCATION
Long Hu, China
SITE AREA
34 acres
YEAR
2017 (Competition)
As a continuation of Kurokawa's conceptual proposal of an eco-city vision while keeping a strong Chinese cultural influence as a reference for the design of the CBD masterplan, the scheme draws on the long-standing history of the Ruyi Knot to develop the masterplan plan and design of the three sets of buildings. In terms of form, the building facade of the super high-rise implements the Ruyi knot’s pattern, with its façade composing of interweaving form that highlights the charm of the local traditional art and culture. This is reinterpreted in a contemporary manner.
Architecturally speaking, the harmony between architecture, ecology and humanity requires rethinking to create a group of active buildings. Demonstrated within this proposal, these active buildings are “breathing” buildings that form the City in the Sky. Through the use of sky bridges, escalators and connecting bridges between the Twin Towers, a multi layered connectivity is realized—and the journeys within the buildings are further introduced with meaningful paths between the destinations.
Championing the principle of ecological and green development, the super high-rises incorporate elements and green features to create Sky Gardens. A series of sky gardens are created at intersection points between the towers. Other green infrastructures and features include ecological bridges and vertical vegetation corridors, connecting the green spaces from the ground plane to the sky and hence, organizing them into a "Sky City Garden". This concept allows for plants to penetrate the building unhindered, to enhance biodiversity, and to promote indoor ambiance and natural ventilation. These Sky Gardens and Sky Courts generates shared open spaces for users to gather and socialize. This thriving vertical community is not only beneficial in terms of promoting and cultivating community awareness, but also in catering for communal activities. The residents may enjoy the spectacular view of the skyline of the Zheng Dong New District in this space as they hold activities. The super high-rises will provide a diversified, complementary and integrated city in the sky through varied public and private facilities that accommodates for business, entertainment and landscaping. This encourages a wide range of users to enjoy the facilities within the twin towers. At the same time, it renders the concept of a vertical city as though it is a community walking on air. The multi- functional sky city also aids the establishment of harmony and respect between human beings, all which leads to a peaceful and marvellous social and cultural environment.