Swan Island & Swan City, China
Jinzhai/Shive River, Anhui Province
2019–2020
379.699 sqm +
812.200 sqm
Master planning
Hua Xin Development Co., Ltd.
Master plan for a multifunctional city
Our film about the Swan Island project
Our film about the Swan Island project
SWAN ISLAND & SWAN CITY: A MAJOR PROJECT IN CHINA
In 2019, Kehrbaum Architekten was given the opportunity to introduce itself as one of 10 German architectural firms to a family of major Chinese investors in order to develop a project of unprecedented dimensions: An existing peninsula of approx. 400,000 sqm in Jinzhai on the Shine River in the Chinese province of Anhuii is to be developed into a residential area and offer a quality of life unknown in China so far. In addition, after the presentation of our concept, we also plan to develop the neighbouring area of Swan City, measuring 800,000 sqm.
Literally translated, an architect means “the first to build”. And that is exactly what was needed here. Not a specialist, but a jack of all trades with expertise in multiple disciplines. Even during the first inspection, impressions had to be compared with the investor and the representatives of the government. Thus, we collected information about the site conditions, the various attitudes as well as the wishes and ideas expressed by interested parties. As experienced urban planners, we sketched the project, digitally rendered it and modelled it in 3D. In this way, the new island and the draft of the city received our signature.
»The new island and the draft of the city bears our signature.«
The unique concept is to be brought to life according to the western model. Swan Island and Swan City are imbued with our common visionary power and our wealth of ideas in which we combine influences from our western world with the values and traditions in China.
Swan Island represents building in nature, combining interior and exterior qualities. Part of the overall architectural idea is also to completely “sever” the former peninsula from the mainland and turn it into an island. Bridges will connect the island with the mainland, the adjacent Swan City and the existing transport network.
We have deliberately raised the mountains, and space in the valley is moderately occupied by buildings. Business and private areas are deliberately separated. The streets and squares are part of the common public space.
Swan City is the Chinese city of the future. The future density of the city is being scientifically studied to take up as little space as possible, to exceed government requirements and to meet the very high demand for housing in this region. The task must therefore be to define how a city can be developed in a way that ensures a comfortable balance between maximum use and high quality housing.
»The different typologies refer to natural situations.«
For both areas, Swan Island and Swan City, we are planning – unusually for China – mixed-use areas in which each type of use will be carefully accorded an optimal location. An important component of the overall concept is also the incorporation of diverse forms of living arrangements. Affordable rental units next to condominiums. Functional floor plans as well as open forms. Apartments next to villas. And all imaginable leisure, shopping and businesses for the vital needs of young and old. A colourful bouquet of ideas that makes the island and the city blossom.
