'meixi lake masterplan' by KPF


KPF (kohn pedersen fox) design for the meixi lake masterplan seeks is a densely concentrated
urban project, incorporates a  variety of functions and building types, integrated with
mountains, lakes, parks and canals, resulting in an environment which promotes both health
and prosperity. as a new center within the larger metropolitan area of changsha, meixi they
proposes to offer a new model for the future of the chinese city. advanced environmental
engineering, pedestrian planning, cluster zoning, and garden integration, are all part of a holistic
strategy of design in this healthy city.





water is the first element of the meixi plan. it is retained to form a 40 hectare lake, which
constitutes the ‘central park’ of the city. the lake provides for boat transport linkages, creates
conditions for edge gardens, and makes places for cultural venues. around the circular heart
of this water body is wrapped the mixed use cbd. here, high rise building districts are
connected by a pedestrian tram street, reducing the need for car use in the city center.



view of apartments and canals


radiating from the water’s edge is a series of canals, allowing for boat transport from the city
center to any one of eight neighbor-hood clusters. each cluster houses about 10,000 people,
and includes a village center featuring a school, shopping area, and other public functions.
these neighborhoods are separated from one another by green buffers which accommodate
exercise fields and natural landscape zones. the architecture of each 'village' will be different,
but material and formal coherence will be encouraged within each zone so as to create a sense
of place.



canals


the radial geometry of the city plan allows for a highly efficient transport system, reducing
potential pollution and energy use. other environmental strategies include collective grey
and black water systems, distributed energy plants, and urban agriculture. a river flood plane
is turned into a linear park which includes recreational areas, micro farms, and residential rows.



site plan


overall, the design of meixi allows the vitality of a dense metropolis to be combined with
the beneficial qualities of a natural setting. this forward looking community will benefit from
and promote the development of new technologies. both a major convention center and an
education/ R & D sector it will encourage chinese and foreign businesses to consider it as an
ideal place to demonstrate new ideas about the way we live. as a functional center, meixi lake
will serve as the head of the west changsha pioneer zone; as an urban model, we expect it to
lead the way to a new way of thinking about the city of the future.



project info:
location: changsha, china
client: gale international
type: master plan, mixed use, residential
size: 70 million ft2 / 6.5 million m2