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. A shift in thinking towards economic growth and environmental consciousness inspired the Kaohsiung Renovation Project Competition. SWA’s urban design proposal provides the city with major public amenities based on sustainable planning practices, innovative programming and adaptive reuse of existing structures. The concept employs creative financial and physical design strategies that look at reconnecting the old neighborhoods with the new waterfront plan. The wharfs are designed with goals of biodiversity, brownfield remediation, and the re-creation of historic mangrove habitat. By combining notions of nature and culture, the design fosters a new sensibility in planning. The cohesive design intends for Kaohsiung to have the opportunity to expand program elements along the waterfront such as outdoor dining, shopping, and tourist activities, and provides an environment for the people of Kaohsiung to connect with and enjoy their city.
Burj Khalifa
Playing on the theme of “A Tower in a Park,” this shaded landscape creates a compelling oasis of green, with distinct areas to serve the tower’s hotel, residential, spa and corporate office areas. The visitor begins at the main arrival court at the base of the tower, where the “prow” of the building intersects a grand circular court—a “water room” defined by f...
Gubei Gold Street
SWA was selected to conceptualize, design, and realize a rare find in bustling Shanghai—a pedestrian mall (Gold Street). The corridor occupies three city blocks, is flanked by 20-story high-rise residential towers with retail at street level and book-ended by SWA-designed parks. Creating an iconic presence and enlivening the area, the mall features plazas, fou...
Nangang Trainyard Urban Regeneration Landscape
This urban regeneration plan transforms a long-abandoned trainyard site into a highly mixed-used development with retail, commercial, preschool, and public services on the podium floors. One hotel, four office, and three residential towers sit atop of the podium; and the southeast corner is occupied by a standalone administration headquarters for the Tai...
Avenida Houston
For many visitors, the George R. Brown Convention Center serves as Downtown Houston’s gateway. Ahead of hosting the Super Bowl, city officials sought to transform the convention center’s uninspiring eight-lane drop-off into a pedestrian plaza for civic enrichment, art, and leisure. SWA took on this ambitious 140,000-square-foot redesign, converting five city b...