Dubai Creek Harbor is a progressive and innovative new neighborhood that aims to respond to environmental concerns with professional, best-practice measures that will ensure an environment that is healthy, accessible, and environmentally responsible.
The storied history, culture, and nature of Dubai Creek serves as the inspiration for the design of Dubai’s newest public realm. Dubai’s relationship to the water is an essential part of its history. For over 7,000 years, the earliest civilizations within the region have enriched their lives via pearl harvesting, which brought personal wealth, regional prosperity, and an intimate connection to the sea that is still prominent in Emirati culture. Although pearl harvesting as an industry is almost obsolete today, the pearl and its shell enclosure serve as the design basis for the modern metropolis we know today. The design, material selection, and construction approach for the harbor have been inspired by key features of the shell, such as its texture, luminosity, shape, and haptic qualities. References to the qualities and nature of the shell are interwoven throughout the visitor and residential experience. Strategies aim to increase site vegetation, dark-sky compliance lighting, and employ light-colored materials and native planting palettes, all which contribute to a greener development.
North Bund Riverside
North Bund Riverside Park, located on a prominent 2.1 km waterfront along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, is the first project of its kind in Shanghai to address contiguous waterfront open space. The goal of the associated international competition was to find innovative solutions to transform a post-industrial waterfront with historic elements into a viable active ...
Kaohsiung Waterfront Renovation
SWA, in association with Morphosis Architecture and CHNW, developed a vision for the future of Kaohsiung Harbor Wharfs, which includes 114 hectares of prime waterfront property formerly used for cargo shipping. The site, located in the shipping heart of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was historically subjected to environmental neglect and rampant uncontrolled development....
Fuyang Riverfront
Seizing the area’s reputation for “one of the best mountain and water views in the world,” the natural framework along both sides of the Fuchun River inspires this plan integrating urban spaces with landscape to create a harmonious skyline. Fuyang flourishes with economic prosperity while honoring its vibrant cultural heritage.
The scope includes urban d...
Ningbo East New Town Civic Plaza
As an extension of the Ningbo East New Town Government Center, this civic plaza extends the geometry and ecology of SWA’s past work in the city. A central civic axis runs from the government buildings to the Dongqian Lake edge, providing a large, flexible gathering/event space adjacent to an expansive lawn as well as sweeping views of the water. Per city plann...