© PLACE
Union of Diversity
Tianjin stands prominently among China's top five cities, boasting not only considerable size and population but also serving as a key hub for business investment. Situated just half an hour southeast of Beijing, easily accessible by a high-speed train, Tianjin's strategic location is complemented by its proximity to the sea. The city faces the challenge of maintaining a high-water table to safeguard against the encroachment of seawater into inland areas, a crucial aspect given its coastal positioning. Despite its dry and harsh climate, Tianjin also contends with the risk of flooding, highlighting the complex water management considerations essential for the city's sustainable development.
The role of water management extends beyond safeguarding the environment; it encompasses the enhancement of overall quality of life. In this context, it unfolds within a setting where a densely populated urban area intersects with recreational spaces and nature, creating environments designed on a human scale. As the city progresses towards increased sustainability, there is an opportunity to reshape longstanding behaviors and environmental perspectives. This project serves as a tangible illustration, prompting citizens to recognize the significance of water, its effective management, inherent power, and intrinsic value in fostering a more sustainable and mindful community.
Atelier Dreiseitl
Water Sensitive Urban Design, Open Space and Urban Parks
This project was originally produced by Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl. Since its merger in the year 2013 with the Ramboll Group A/S this project and the copyright are owned by Ramboll.
Location
Tianjin, China
Collaborators
PLACE, SWA, WLA, GMP, KSP, Riken Yamamoto, HHD, Callison, ECADI, TVSDESIGN
Client
Tianjin Binhai District Central Business Administration Bureau
Completion
2012
Design Area
90ha
Award
2014 Certificate of Honor – Outstanding Design
2013 German Design Council – Urban Planning Concept: Iconic Award
2013 MIPIM Asia Awards – Best Urban Regeneration Project: Bronze
2012 Certificate of Honor – Outstanding Design
Status
Completed
The lake functions as a water storage basin along the coast, which overlooks the city and prevents the rise of brackish water from the ocean. It also holds stormwater that would be poured into the sewage system and then into the river during times of flooding, and permits a slow release into the groundwater.
©PLACE
In the meticulous planning of the innovative cultural district situated between the newly constructed opera house and the pre-existing city hall, a primary objective was to enhance outdoor comfort and cultivate vibrant, communal pedestrian pathways. The lakefront area has been artistically curated, offering breathtaking vistas of the opera house and the captivating Museum, gallery, and library facades. Strategic rows of trees and thoughtfully arranged greenery serve a dual purpose, not only aesthetically enhancing the waterfront but also acting as a natural barrier against the chilly winds from Mongolia. Furthermore, this greenery plays a crucial role in water conservation, serving as a reservoir for irrigation needs and contributing to the overall sustainability of the cultural district.
Furthermore, the presence of decentralized retention trenches allow the purification of the water through the use of cleansing biotope, and the large surface of purified water creates an autonomous ecosystem, that helps to minimize high peak temperatures and encourages the growth of local flora and fauna. Indeed the recycled stormwater is useful for the irrigation of the park in a sustainable way.
As the city itself evolves in a direction of greater sustainability, the old patterns of behavior and environmental thinking can be changed: it is a practical example that makes citizens realize the importance of water, its management, power and value.
