BIG CHANGES ON THE WORLD’S BUSIEST RIVER

The 4km site situated in the Jiangsu Province, China, was completed in 2020 after the project commenced in 2012. The project, landscape, and architecture were constructed by leading project managers; James Brearley, Fang Huang and Jiang Han. The build had clearly defined ambitions to ensure its success namely to; re-establish indigenous ecosystems, preserve the site’s industrial character whilst introducing leisure possibilities and link to the emergence of a city park network.

Due to its tidal location, this project has prioritised the rehabilitation and enhancement of the existing microhabitats. A new string of indigenous trees and plants have been embedded in the newly built shoreline to connect the river with the picturesque Ebizui mountain that is located to the east of the site. Bringing in the natural elements goes hand in hand with new structures that are washed in a brown-tinged overlay, softening the robustness of the area and contrasting it with the river itself.  

Conversely, a more artistic element has been added to the site. Palimpsest, or the Ship Building Park, features open plan ships now perched on the land for visitors and residents to enjoy. The design came with the intention to link back to the site’s history, although more recently the site has been used for stockpiling raw materials, it was originally used to build ships to sail the river. The inclusive spaces are connected by pedestrian and bike paths, a boardwalk, and links to the surrounding city and water. Whilst enjoying the ship installations residents and visitors can enjoy the visitor centre, pavilions, playgrounds and even a large plaza.

The site has inspired a new era of leisure and work-life convergence after 50 years, with many placing a  particular emphasis on it housing the city’s largest playground. With the park completed, the public is welcome to use the site for the next picnic, games, or dance performance!