URBAN PARTI + PL AN “A REGENERATION OF THE TYPE”
Rather than the massive, monolithic, soviet-style towers in the park that dominate residential development throughout China, this new neighborhood is designed to grow organically, using the phasing methods outlined in my research: 1. Pilot 2. Catalyst 3. Virus 4. City. Density and building height varies throughout the site according to several factors such as proximity to transit, orientation to the river, and density of existing context. The site is divided into several villages, each with its own æsthetic, to give residents and visitors a sense of place, differentiated from the larger city. As the villages will be built over time as demand necessitates (rather than as a single top-down development), the appearance of newer construction will differ from older since the fabrication factory will produce constantly evolving models. The larger scale arrangement of buildings, in contrast to much of the newer construction taking place in Shanghai, is based on traditional Chinese dwelling principles. Each individual unit is based around a central courtyard with varying layers of privacy. Similarly, whole buildings aggregate in a courtyard pattern. The streets are lined with ground level commercial space for various shops, restaurants and vendors. Upper level streetfront space can be used for small offices and higher-end restaurants. Residential bars face south in keeping with Chinese traditions, and partially enclose minor, semi-private courtyards for residents’ use. Each complex opens away from the street to a greenspace, the public courtyard and connection to nature. The heights, sizes, and æsthetics of each building will vary, but all are built according to this simple pattern.
Phase 1: PILOT
PHASE ONE - PILOT A small prototype village is constructed near the factory site, around the intersection of a major pedestrian way and a Metro station.
Phase 2: CATALYST
PHASE TWO - CATALYST As the pilot begins to grow, more centers are begun around the identified major nodes. Unused pavilions are re-purposed for neighborhood use as groceries, child care, community centers, etc.