Rethinking Shanghai. Sustainable intervention on the Suzhou Creek

Considering the urban analysis of the area, from the north our site is attached to the Creek and from south it is connected to Zhongshan Park. Since the site is surrounded by two important element supporting sustainability, we started to think about connecting them. We developed the idea of having moving water in the site, by thinking about the most profitable route for water in the area and also water treatment methods, which are applicable, extendable and economical in the area. Shanghai had serious problems about water pollution. People used to suffer from the smell as well as the disturbing view of a polluted river a few years ago. The use of biological filters like Reed Bed filters is one of the traditional ways of water treatment. Having some changes in the design of the filters, they become economical and applicable to be used in other areas when it is necessary to have clean and odorless water. Following our concept of movement, we designed flowing green areas in our site to show a stronger connection between the park and the creek. By using different levels of elevation we integrated the two main ideas of blue and green flow. To show the continuity of the concept in our area, we chose a focal point for our design, which is in the southern part, highlighted by a high-rise building. To provide required residential buildings and offices we are having some blocks, which are modular and possible to reach different heights according to the necessity. The connection of the Creek and the park is a benefit with which we can develop a new way of thinking among the people of shanghai, by admiring the green areas and landscape design instead of designing high-rise buildings. Choosing and designing focal point to be a high-rise multi functional building to strengthen our landscape usage, and modular buildings in between, which supports the idea of movement and flow, and satisfies the required area for buildings, the concept is followed in a parallel way with the goals of the competition. To strengthen the main concept, which is sustainability, all new systems of insulation and energy production are being used in different ways according to the functions of the buildings. The functions are chosen by studying the area completely to understand the needs in an area with the similar characteristics to the site, which brought us to the different zones in the buildings like sport-based zone, entertainment zone, cultural zone, and etc., which are all connected completely to the residential areas and to each other following the concept of connectivity and linearity, using the connecting walking pathways on the roof, in the building or pedestrian way in the site.