Guanlan River Regeneration

The neglect of rivers is a global phenomenon. Once, natural rivers were a lifeline for all species. Humans settled along rivers. They offered a source of food, and served as infrastructure for trade and business. The natural force of rivers also posed a threat to our growing wealth. So we started to control rivers into channels, and engineered them for our own purpose. The controlled rivers lost their natural function. In less regulated places, the old cradle of life, often turned into a sewer. Rivers can be rediscovered as a driver of positive change on many levels. Improved sanitation, control of industrial water, and advanced storm water managements leads to rising water quality. Healthy rivers are a key element of every sponge city strategy. This results in greatly improved quality of life for all species. The natural environment literally grows back along revived rivers. The rising value of the human environment shows in more people seeking the healthy riverside for recreation, and in higher attractiveness for riverside neighbourhoods. Shenzhen has actively embraced its neglected rivers. Along Guanlan River, we piloted a river oriented transformation approach. The comprehensive plan for “A city facing a river” includes a public and green space strategy that carefully knits together existing fragments of space into a larger whole. New programmes define natural as well as human habitats with programmatic priorities. A regeneration strategy shows how to revive the existing neighbourhoods along the river. The innovative multimedia pioneered how the power of contextual design is communicated.