Project

Kaifeng, in Henan Province, is one of eight ancient capitals in China. Qingming Water City is located in the South-East corner of Kaifeng city. Its positioning and design is inspired by the Qingming Shanghe Map, a historical masterpiece representing everyday life in old-time China.
The main question was how to recreate a lively neighborhood with a high-quality living environment on an ancient map. Studying the painting, we see attractions, markets, and public spaces. We also see a subtle transition between city parks inside and nature outside the wall. We read the spatial structure and logic of different character areas in the ancient part of the city. The natural river at the site is a big opportunity.
Our design considers all these features and covers: a life along the river, living within the wall, and living with nature.

Client

Zhengzhou Vanke Xicheng Co. Ltd

Program

658,000 Ha Urban Design

Stages

2018 competition design

Team

MLA+: Kexin Huang, Martin Probst, Brechtje Spreeuwers, Wenchi Yang, Yi Yu, Milena Zaklanovic