Shanghai Westbund Central Parcel F, sited next to Xuhui Waterfront Park, takes inspiration from Guangqi Xu (1562–1633), the district’s most significant historic figure, whose contributions to agricultural studies became the foundation for the mixed-use commercial development. As the site’s economic context shifted over time, the design evolved. While the terraced rice field at the project’s core remained constant, surrounding areas matured from a general shopping district into a high-end retail street. SWA’s landscape adapted alongside the client’s changing vision without losing its original agricultural narrative.
The design had to resolve a complex transition zone, linking the commercial center to adjacent office and residential parcels while negotiating spatial relationships with the established Xuhui Waterfront Park. Traditional agricultural forms were translated into a contemporary landscape vocabulary, requiring close coordination among a team of architects, landscape architects, an art installation consultant, and multiple layers of client and government stakeholders.
Curved stone paving required water-jet cutting at scale, and the terrace’s curved retaining wall was engineered to house an integrated water feature. To achieve an immediate sense of maturity, rice was pre-grown off-site at agricultural research facilities before planting—ensuring the field read as established from opening day.
Williams Square
For decades, Williams Square has been the walkable “living room” for Irving, Texas’s Las Colinas community. The plaza’s iconic bronze mustang sculptures, designed by artist Robert Glen, are among the state’s most iconic landscape features, speaking to the state’s identity and history.
SWA’s engagement with the plaza is longstanding, dating back to the 1...
Kasumigaseki Plaza Renewal
Tokyo’s first high-rise and architectural landmark is located in the heart of downtown, where government and major private business offices are concentrated. Urban growth changed the dynamics of the building’s surroundings and left its public spaces ineffective and barren. The addition of new mixed-use buildings provided the owners with an opportunity to bring...
Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel
SWA provided full landscape architectural services for this mixed-use development, which includes a 120-room luxury hotel, five villa residences, a supporting office complex, fitness center, spa and multi-use space. The Sand Hill Hotel and associated offices are nestled onto a dramatic hillside that slopes toward the Santa Cruz Mountains immediately beyond I-2...
OCT Bao’an Waterfront Cultural Park
Bao’an Waterfront Park is an essential amenity for future residents of Shenzhen’s rapidly expanding Qianhai area, and is also an important connection between the urban fabric and the ocean. The key landscape frameworks for the park are its riverine interpretation aspects and water’s edge programs. The “Eco River” will bring water experiences into the green spa...