Across China, rapid urbanization is radically diminishing agricultural landscapes. SOM’s Nanhu New Country Village Master Plan furthers the nation’s farm-reform goals, bringing a modern approach to integrating agriculture and urban development into a village setting. The award-winning design consolidates and reorganizes farms so that the new village can increase in density without putting additional stress on farmland.
Of the 1,100-hectare site, more than 700 hectares will be maintained as working farms with produce that will help feed the nearly 80 million residents in the region’s mega cities. Ecological features throughout the site will detain and infiltrate stormwater. To improve the quality of run-off, terraced wetland basins will further treat the water before emptying it into canals. Walkways along the terraces will make this water purification system an amenity to be enjoyed by all.
The compact urban village accomodates development pressure by creating an urban growth boudary that protects and enhances existing agricultural production capacity. Image © SOM
A sustainability strategy creates a diverse, mixed-use village within a modern agrarian landscape and provides access to jobs, open space, and city amenities while maintaining the region's agricultural hertiage. Image © SOM
Of the entire 1,100 hectare site, over 700 hectares are maintained as working farms that will produce products such as organic herbs, vegetables, fruits, rice, and flowers. Image © SOM
The development increases existing agricultural production value through the consolidation of farms into more efficient operations to increase yields as well as to educate farmers in new technologies. Image © SOM
A series of canals, wetlands, lakes, and public spaces are reinforced by built form and establish water as a focal point of social life, preserving local heritgae and Jiangnan culture. Image © SOM
The Master Plan improves transportation and walkability by locating nearly all development within a short, 15-minute walk of the village commerical center. Image © SOM
The Master Plan establishes distinct neighborhoods that contain housing, retail, schools, parks and civic facilities essential to the daily life of residents. Image © SOM
The Master Plan improves canal quality water management and establishes public parks on all canal edges. Image © SOM
Dead end canals are removed and new links are added to reconnect the system and improve flow while 45ha of constructed wetlands improve canal water from class V to class III water quality. Image © SOM
Integrated strategies help to ensure a secure food supply, promote healthy living, create jobs for future generations, improve water quality, and manage urban growth. Image © SOM
