A group of architects have devised a profound, yet progressive plan to transform Langfang, an old agricultural ‘prefecture level’ town halfway between Beijing and Tianjin, into a environmentally-friendly ‘green’ city. The idea is to sustainably provide the duality of high-density living coupled with smaller scale human-centered conglomerations. Other ‘features’ would include a new centrally located transportation hub, restored wetlands, and a spatial precinct teeming with low storied housing and a colossal green space, expected to cover a much larger area than Central Park in New York.
The esteemed architectural groups of Woods Bagot, HOK, and CW Group have jointly developed the plan. The ‘goal’ according to the press release is to set forth:
A strategy for transforming Langfang into a model of ecological urban redevelopment, calling attention to the role of existing cities in forging a more sustainable global future.Yet keeping the environmental benefits aside, there is also a practical and economical side to the plan’s conception. Demographically, Langfang has transformed from a paltry 50,000 strong farming community in the 50’s, to a city of about 800,000 people at present. Adding to that, the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line includes a stop in Langfang, and once the line becomes complete, the city is expected to facilitate ‘additional growth opportunities’.
In spite of being ambitious, the concept is also important in context of the urban development projects currently going on in China. Instead of concrete skyscrapers springing up at reckless speed, surrounding green agricultural lands would be preserved in this case. Comfortable, livable environment always attracts more people,which in turn rather strengthens the existing economic situation - this dictum is truly embedded within the folds of this enterprising concept
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