Beijiqia Technology Business District
Location Beijing, China | Client Beijing Ningke Real Estate | Architect RTKL | Size 60 hectares | Status Completed 2016 | Tags Corporate and Commercial, Mixed Use and Residential, Public Realm and Infrastructure
A forward looking mixed-use development with landscapes which promote a healthy urban lifestyle.
The project won the Yuan Ye Award 2019, and the Beijing Landscape Bureau and Beijing Landscape Association Best Landscape Award 2018
This forward-looking mixed-use development, including residential, offices and retail, offers a landscape designed to promote a healthy urban lifestyle. It is the first phase of the masterplan development of the Changping district north of Beijing.
The project is defined by its contemporary architecture, and the landscape indicates three zones organized around the commercial/retail, office, and residential areas. A pattern of rectangular strips at different heights gives a coherent aesthetic throughout the site, with variations to differentiate the three main landscape zones. The motif strips become paving, planting or rise to create street furniture, lighting and entry gateway features.
The main landscape zone is the central park, an open space which acts as a green public heart. A long curving water feature, shaped like a scythe, separates the central public park from the private residences in the south. This large water element, filled with treated rainwater collected from the site, is a focal point and play area for locals and visitors to enjoy. A sunny corner garden frames the sunken lawn area, framed by raised planters which hold low hedges, ornamental grasses and perennials. Along the edges people can enjoy the sun, sitting or lounging on custom seating placed among the trees and grass. The cool breeze from the central water feature creates a beach-like atmosphere in the urban setting.
North of the central zone is the commercial and retail zone. It incorporates the landscapes around the headquarters offices, office courtyard gardens, the Qui Bei Road promenade and the eco zone area, a linear ecological zone which runs along the northern edge of the site. It absorbs storm water runoff from the impervious surfaces of the site, and provides a moisture-balanced habitat for a range of plants and animals. Visitors can sit or stroll in the area, or move through one of the two sculptural gateway structures into the green central heart of the site.
The southern residential zone holds small garden rooms, semi-enclosed by hedges or feature walls for more private outdoor use. A brightly-colored children’s play area engages multiple age groups and levels of ability. The gardens have water features and a variety of seating in sun and shade, as well as a fitness area. A fitness and recreational trail surrounds the site.
To support the project’s aim for LEED Gold accreditation, the landscape strategy included efficient and sustainable urban drainage, harvesting and re-use of storm water run-off, plus a high green ratio to reduce the urban heat island effect. The microclimates of the different zones are balanced by screening the north-westerly winter winds and welcoming the south-easterly summer winds, which are further cooled by passing over the large shallow water feature in the central park.
The site included a demonstration zone with accompanying show garden. This provided a testing area for materials and plants and helped to fine tune the design and build of bespoke structures and furniture.
