In the strategy for the upcoming integration of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province, the city of Tianjin has been identified as an advanced national manufacture and research base, as well as a core area of international shipping, a financial innovation demonstration zone, and a pilot region for the overall reformation of the area. The location of the SWA-designed Central Park provides a setting that stands poised to reflect the foundation of Tianjin’s industrial past, its traditional and emerging culture, and its trajectory forward as a global city. It lies at the crossroads of the CBD, Culture Center, Yujiapu Train Station and Tianjin Commercial Center and represents a collage of historic and new urban expression. Ziyun Park, built earlier, stands at the core of the park. It was created upon the spoils of the alkaline factory and began the trend toward re-imagining the industrial city as a model of economic, social and environmental sustainability. With the addition of Station Park and Culture Park, a new Central Park will emerge. Central Park will adopt and build upon the basic components of Ziyun Park – forest, trails, recreation, leisure and water conservation based infrastructure. Each of the new park segments will however add a new dimension and a fresh set of experiences to Central Park. In combination, the three park ‘pockets’ will provide a rich gathering place for the community and become a symbol of Tianjin and a positive first impression for those visiting the city from afar.
Palisades Park
Santa Monica’s famous pier area draws visitors who often disregard pavement boundaries and compact the landscape soil. Palisades Park, adjacent to the iconic pier, is a particularly active site for cyclists and tourists that has long been in need of a planting strategy to discourage pedestrian overflow into the landscape. SWA’s defensive planting strategy tack...
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 ...
China Beach
China Beach acts as an amphitheater to take in the drama of the San Francisco Golden Gate: the ebb and flow of the wildlife, currents, tides, winds, fog, sun, surf, and marine traffic. Ultimately, this larger landscape and the landscape features of a refreshed beach terrace will be the defining experience for the visitor to China Beach. We are striving to prod...
Buffalo Bend Park
Houston’s East End is a bifurcated community, with heavy industry brushing up against a vibrant and culturally diverse residential area. Answering residents’ call for more park space, SWA created Buffalo Bayou Bend Nature Park by converting a formerly neglected industrial site into a wetland ecosystem and public green space.
Three interconnected ponds, ...