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.
Hengqin Island
Hengqin Island, located in Zhuhai, China, is embedded within a unique and beautiful landscape, and is currently being developed for urban growth throughout the region. Taking cues from the surrounding site, SWA’s master plan intends to capture the essence of the place, and pay homage to its most fundamental landscape elements: the sea, valley, and mountains. S...
CSCEC Steel Headquarters Office and Museum
CSCEC Steel is a division of the world’s largest construction company, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited. CSCEC Steel is recognized as a leading global steel structure manufacturer; their projects include the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, the Shanghai IFC, the new Abu Dhabi International Airport, and the 26th Universiade Main Stadium. To...
One Uptown
Bringing a singular landscape design expression to a site featuring two buildings designed by different architects, the SWA/Balsley team worked to seamlessly integrate a variety of outdoor spaces to accommodate the mixed-use One Uptown. At the ground level, tree-lined streetscapes and bike lanes lead visitors to a coworking and dining courtyard along Burnet Ro...
Heights Mercantile
In an era of one-click purchases and next-day deliveries, urban residents yearn for the once-prevalent ambiance of a lively urban environment. Heights Mercantile offers Houston an antidote. Revitalizing two acres in the heart of Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood, this low-rise, mixed-use development preserves the area’s charm while providing ...