Zhao Bei Kou – New City

1) History of the site: the site holds a particular place in Chinese history. It was the Emperor’s hunting ground, where he had a palace, and it was known for its 12 bridges over the main canal, now lost.

2) Existing morphology: the site has always been a wetland, structured by a network of canals and lakes. The water was the main inspiration, and the master plan starts from respect for what exists.

3) Sponge city: green spaces, green belts, canals and small lakes across the site collect water in heavy rain and improve the quality of life.

4) Villages: people here have always lived in villages, so the master plan proposes a series of connected villages rather than a new city. Each is sized for at most 15,000 inhabitants, and roads and green corridors link them all. The composition starts from the historic village in the east; around a central village for administration, culture and services there are eight more, mainly residential.

5) Neighbourhood identity: each district encourages short local trips and contact between neighbours. Every village has its own services, meeting places, squares and parks.

Green belts, canals and small lakes run between the villages. They collect water in heavy rain, following the sponge-city principle, and give every neighbourhood open space.