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THE BAY OF THE RISING SUN, XICHONG MASTERPLAN

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THE BAY OF THE RISING SUN, XICHONG MASTERPLAN

Year: 2019
Location: Shenzhen, China
Awards: First Prize, Urban Design Competition
Collaboration: Gensler

 

In September 2018, the typhoon Mangkhut hit Xichong. While the destruction was severe, ongoing development had already critically endangered the natural protection of the peninsula, particularly in the context of rising sea levels. The post-disaster reconstruction was seen as an opportunity to address the long-term development plan of the area and to elevate the silver-lined beach into a global ecological tourism centre. An open-call for proposal was organised in 2019 and Tekuma Frenchman in consortium with Gensler was selected along with seven other teams to develop a masterplan. Its proposal was awarded joint-first place together with two other international consortiums.
Rather than building anew, the objective was to restore nature, the agricultural land, and the cultural vestiges of local communities. Hence, rather than treat Xichong like a conventional urban area, we proposed to create a Special Ecological Zone. This innovative management model would support the ecology while fostering industries with local communities having stewardship over their land. This strategy and design philosophy will make Xichong a unique cultural and ecological global destination.
Tekuma Frenchman proposed the establishment of a ”Special Ecological Zone” which will pioneer a new model of development that can achieve both economic growth and ecological sustainability. This new definition would allow to uniquely position Xichong within the greater Shenzhen region. It would also grant stewardship of the land to the residents and instill a sense of pride and belonging for the local community. Also defining a comprehensive“Return to nature” plan which can be summarised by three principles 3Rs: restore the ecosystem; remodel the green infrastructure; reactivate the local community.