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 and culturally enriched landscape spaces infused with Shekou’s authentic character. The redesign caters to visitors of all ages, offering amenities such as nursing rooms, shaded rest spots, and engaging playgrounds. Imaginative ‘mountains,’ undulating landforms, waterfront plazas, native gardens, and versatile trails harmoniously coexist with the existing fishing facilities. The repurposed Shekou lighthouse, now a captivating focal point of the Memorial Terrace, is embraced by a leisure terrace, an urban tidal pool, and carefully selected native plantings. Together, these elements create a unique environment that serves as a living tribute to Shekou’s past, present, and future.
While much of China’s past has been obscured by contemporary development, Shekou’s waterfront stands as a thriving mixed-use urban core that showcases the region’s rich industrial and natural heritage.
Nanchang Xiangnan Urban Infill
Situated in the capital city of Jiangxi Province, which is known for its rich cultural and ecological resources, the Nanchang Urban Infill project strives to weave two new districts into the historical heart of the city. To the west, a tower and mall create a modern icon for Nanchang. Here, the landscape reinforces the architectural design through a fluid, con...
Peanut Plaza
Reclaiming private land for public use, one of Washington D.C.’s most dangerous intersections has been targeted for vast improvements. The project kicked off with the demolition of a Wendy’s restaurant on site and implemented new road alignments to ease traffic congestion. SWA worked with NoMa community groups and the Department of Transportation on the new vi...
Buffalo Bend Park
Houston’s East End is a bifurcated community, with heavy industry brushing up against a vibrant and culturally diverse residential area. Answering residents’ call for more park space, SWA created Buffalo Bayou Bend Nature Park by converting a formerly neglected industrial site into a wetland ecosystem and public green space.
Three interconnected ponds, ...
Embankment Square
The Embankment Square is located along the east bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. The project consists of landscape areas in three office parcels and one waterfront park parcel. The view of the site is remarkable, looking toward the landmark skyscrapers of Lujiazui Financial Center, Nanpu Bridge, the Bund, and the Minsheng CBD.
The design concept c...