Licang Waterfront Master Plan, Qingdao China

January 05th, 2008

Residential Building Area: 81,000sm

Commercial Building Area: 12,000sm

Site Area: 37,700sm

Overview

The planning concept for this new waterfront commercial development strives to create meaning through the synthesis of architecture, urban design, landscape design and public art.

A series of distinct public open spaces along the length of the curving waterfront promenade have been designed to provide a rich pedestrian experience. These include an arrival plaza adjacent to a museum, pedestrian bridge, viewing platforms, boardwalks and a destination ‘community plaza’ situated next to a large public green space.

In this concept clean lines, planar forms, large expanses of glass and a restrained material palette that includes metal, concrete and local stone characterizes the architectural aesthetic of the various commercial/office buildings. A fine grain approach to the articulation of the buildings creates a more intimate pedestrian-scaled character for the community; a departure from the larger scale high-rise developments that will surround the site.

The DA Difference

Contemporary architectural design strengthens the well-defined urban spaces to encourage a ‘sense of place’ for the residents of this newly built community.