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building the Cityscape
The design for the new city took inspiration from agricultural field and infrastructure pattern within the territory. The concept was translated into a framework for individual islands, comprised of multiple urban functional neighborhoods adjoined by a series of greenbelts, water corridors, ponds, and wetlands. Regional connectivity was achieved through intercity rail, in addition to existing local rail system and freeway connections. And this network of transit provides a strategy for integrating housing, commercial, and industry into a more harmonious connection with the natural environment. Interconnected transportation expands the local industries, which related to agricultural products, and offers opportunities to reduce traffic, while promoting a vibrant, dense, and efficient place to live.
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The strategy for land utilization maximizes the social and economic value of Huairou new city, while expanding its ecological potential. The master plan divides the city into districts that include civic center, financial center, office campus, high-tech industry research campus, and resort. Within these districts, individual islands are developed with residential, industrial, commercial, and cultural uses. Smaller city blocks promote a more intimate and human-oriented environment, contrast with much of the proposed development in China that tends to anticipate heavy traffic and expedient development. And aside from providing a more walk-able urban environment, the smaller block sizes also allow for greater architectural variation and for the preservation of the local cultural identity.