SCARLET PATH TRAVERSES CHINA'S GREENSPACE
02 Aug 2018
In response to the booming technology industry of Shenzhen in China, a park has been commissioned that will promote health, sports and wellbeing by providing a natural refuge in which the community can embrace nature and find a soothing retreat from an urban existence. Featuring a “romantic” red forest trail that weaves through the landscape, this new greenspace offers plenty of opportunities for people to enjoy a variety of sports and leisure activities.
The 1400-acre forest and sport park is planned for Guang Ming in Shenzhen, China. LOLA Landscape Architects, Taller Architects and L+CC won the design competition thanks to the “fresh approach” they took with their designs and for “Being highly attentive to local ecology, meanwhile incorporating romantic techniques and realistic urban visions”.
The design focuses around two research and development centres, one for sports and one for botany, that act as the starting point for a “constant evolution and diversification” of the surrounding landscape. A central walkway loop will connect the two centres and lead visitors through the gardens, a plant and tree nursery, and modern and “forgotten” sport precincts.
Nine different sports ‘hubs’ will be situated throughout the park, using bright colours to attract people’s attention and call them over to play an old favourite or try something new.
A 1km-long elevated walkway, in vibrant red, connects to the city and forest, with pavilions along the path that feature restaurants, lookouts and forest cabins, which can be rented out for the night. Each pavilion is unique, modular and prefabricated, in order to reduce environmental impact.
Electricity pylons feature throughout the hilly landscape, equipped with LED strips that will turn them into eye-catching light sculptures at night. A cooling down pavilion will be constructed in the centre of the lake, allowing visitors a place of respite from the humid air.
The diverse landscape and natural setting provides plenty of unique sights for visitors to view, from dipping valleys to gentle rolling hills and forests. The area encourages people to engage in sports and leisure activities while delighting in the beauty of nature.
The project is highly ambitious but will offer valuable public space that encourages nature and outdoor recreation in a city where technology and tall buildings are prevalent, and is hoped to revitalise the local community and offer a tourist boon to the area.