Golden Bridge Villas (2008)

Project Data
 
Total GFA:   55.000 m2
Location:   Shanghai, China
Function:   Residential
Features:   4 Typologies arranged around Central Wetland and Playground Streets
Scope:   1st Prize Competition Entry, Master Plan and Architectural Concept Design
Status:   Planning
 
 
Project Summary
 
The residential master plan is developed along the idea of “public activity streets”: all streets except the ring street have different character and act as public activity surfaces for relaxation, exercise, children’s play. The pathway network extends into further distinct zones with different character and atmospheres: the northern Zen-Garden is a shared calm space providing retreat for the residents and green garden views for the public commercial area. A dense forest adds yet another experience for jogging and playing as well as buffering against noise from the southern main street.
Canal system and Wetland Park form a closed controlled integrated water management system including on-site storm water treatment, natural filtration and ground water aquifer recharge as well as providing the vegetation for wildlife habitat and a really natural feeling in the heart of the development.

The Villa architecture was developed borrowing from traditional Chinese elements – such as screen walls, courtyards and gardens – and finding a contemporary articulation that allows for intimacy, natural light and a feeling of the surrounding vegetation being present even within the building. Doing so not only blends inside and outside via a series of courtyards, half-courtyards, loggias, decks and terraces but also maximizes sunlight and solar energy gains while preventing overheating through flexible shading devises. Individual lots are not fenced and hedges are not allowed in order to generate a visually and spatially integrated community. Canals and small naturally winding creeks, screens included into the architecture and orientation of buildings guarantee the privacy and integrity of each lot.