The general plan for Chengdu Tianfu International Airport City represents a comprehensive, 21st-century vision for sustainable urban growth. It transforms former agricultural land into a vibrant development that prioritizes the environment, urban livability, and economic opportunity. Located southeast of the city center of Chengdu, China, the 66,800-hectare project is designed to eventually accommodate two million new residents. SOM’s plan includes the preliminary urban design of a 2,500-hectare area, as well as design guidelines for a 298-hectare urban core that will be the first phase to be developed.
The plan features a network of open space corridors, which combine infrastructure for flood management, energy generation, wastewater treatment, and forest preservation areas. This will protect the district from flooding, improve air quality, and provide recreational and educational opportunities. To minimize environmental impact, development zones are strategically located and limited to less than one third of the entire site. Within these zones, new buildings, streets, and other features are positioned to enhance wind flow and improve air quality.
SOM’s urban design is based on a systematic approach, in which all aspects of future development will support each other. Low- to mid-rise structures are designed in harmony with the landscape, while dense enough to support residents’ access to local mass transit systems. High-speed rail, three intercity metro rails, local subways, BRT, and personal rapid transit vehicles will contribute to a connected, walkable city, complete with mixed-use, industrial, educational, tourism, recreational, and residential districts. Buildings with locally relevant design details will be optimized for natural daylight, cross-ventilation, and energy efficiency.
The city’s proximity to the new Tianfu International Airport, a major future hub for travel to and from Europe, represents an economic development opportunity for the region. The plan is designed to attract high-quality industries to the area. By integrating higher education, research, product development, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and service facilities into a compact urban environment, the plan encourages interaction and idea exchange.
