SWA, in association with Morphosis Architecture and CHNW, developed a vision for the future of Kaohsiung Harbor Wharfs, which includes 114 hectares of prime waterfront property formerly used for cargo shipping. The site, located in the shipping heart of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was historically subjected to environmental neglect and rampant uncontrolled development. A shift in thinking towards economic growth and environmental consciousness inspired the Kaohsiung Renovation Project Competition. SWA’s urban design proposal provides the city with major public amenities based on sustainable planning practices, innovative programming and adaptive reuse of existing structures. The concept employs creative financial and physical design strategies that look at reconnecting the old neighborhoods with the new waterfront plan. The wharfs are designed with goals of biodiversity, brownfield remediation, and the re-creation of historic mangrove habitat. By combining notions of nature and culture, the design fosters a new sensibility in planning. The cohesive design intends for Kaohsiung to have the opportunity to expand program elements along the waterfront such as outdoor dining, shopping, and tourist activities, and provides an environment for the people of Kaohsiung to connect with and enjoy their city.
Shekou Promenade
A gateway for China’s open-door policy, Shekou has revitalized its fragmented and hazardous coastline into a dynamic six-kilometer promenade that masterfully captures the area’s cultural and natural essence.
The promenade repurposes the disconnected former industrial waterfront into a celebrated open space system with new recreation programs...
Guangzhou Vanke Center
Guangzhou Vanke Center incorporates commercial, and office uses in an urban setting. To echo the “cascading” concept of the architectural design, the landscape architecture was inspired by the fluidity of water, as well as the unique local cultural heritage of dragon boats. The design provides for different types of social activity with variously scaled spaces...
Nangang Trainyard Urban Regeneration Landscape
This urban regeneration plan transforms a long-abandoned trainyard site into a highly mixed-used development with retail, commercial, preschool, and public services on the podium floors. One hotel, four office, and three residential towers sit atop of the podium; and the southeast corner is occupied by a standalone administration headquarters for the Tai...
Riyadh East Sub-Center
SWA provided comprehensive planning for a new 300-hectare commercial, mixed-use center in northeast Riyadh abutting the KKI Airport. This area is part of an urban management framework being developed to guide the future growth of the city. SWA developed a plan and implementation strategy to establish an urban center comprising residential neighborhoods, corpor...