Shenzhen’s Blueway Initiative is envisioned to activate the industry and culture of its urban communities, unlock the tremendous land value of the watershed, and inject sustainable vitality into Shenzhen’s future growth. The design is inspired by the interplay of the blueway’s five systems: hydrology, ecology, leisure, industry, and culture. The design strategy aims to balance ecological habitat with the needs of a dynamic urban waterfront, optimizing ecological benefits while promoting social life in a dense urban area. A pedestrian system connects natural and recreational spaces with adjacent neighborhoods and green spaces, while riverside ecological habitat is established via native plant restoration and enhancement. All placemaking elements incorporate resilient hydrology principles to address a variety of flood conditions throughout the year. Five major riverfront nodal parks address different sets of goals and programmatic requirements based on their adjacent urban community developments. The design also embraces ecological restoration along the river channel, carefully introducing plant habitats based on hydraulic requirements. Existing trees and an eco-island were preserved, and a terraced water purification wetland was created.
Changchun Tractor Factory Renovation
Once-industrial site re-imagined as a commercial complex with eye-catching public spaces.
For this site, which was once an industrial tractor factory that epitomized Changchun’s thriving industrial past, SWA provided conceptual design through implementation to transform the former of Changchun Tractor Factory into an eye-catching public realm that fulfi...
Jeffrey Open Space Park
The Jeffrey Open Space Park represents approximately 96 acres of park and trails, with an average width of 265 ft. The three-mile long spine is designed for passive uses with a network of trails that connect to residential neighborhoods and active recreation parks.
The design process included a series of community workshops to solicit community’s commen...
Tulsa Riverfront Park
SWA directed conceptual studies for incorporating a landmark residential estate, a multi-family housing complex and a creek corridor into the adjacent Arkansas River waterfront of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recently acquired by a local community foundation, the total 64-acre area features sweeping lawns and a historic home that provides much-needed space for the city’s ...
Dave Thomas Circle
One of the most dangerous intersections at the gateway into downtown Washington DC was targeted for significant improvement. Prompted by the demolition of a Wendy’s restaurant and new road alignments to ease traffic congestion, SWA/Balsley was hired to create a memorable new gateway experience and usable, inviting parks in the newly acquired public land. The t...