Nanjing Xiaguan Riverfront Master Plan

Project Facts
Project Facts

For years, Nanjing’s Riverfront District has lacked vitality and a strong connection to the city center. SOM’s master plan aims to change this by radically transforming three kilometers along the neglected Yangtze River.

The 236-hectare plan calls for the creation of five mixed-use neighborhoods with good transit connections and waterfront access. The architecture, circulation, and landscape strategies build on the character of the site and promote a seamless integration with the city’s built environment. Colonial-era buildings, for instance, will be renovated and converted into shops, restaurants, residential lofts, and hotels. The plan also improves the district’s existing urban framework by establishing a clear hierarchy of streets and places. The ultimate goal is to re-energize the area and help shape a new global identity for this vibrant Chinese city.

Design

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The Nanjing Xiaguan Riverfront Master Plan transforms the long-neglected waterfront, defines eight unique neighborhoods, and strengthens transit connections with Nanjing’s center. Image © SOM
With the major port of the Xiaguan District no longer in operations, the client aimed to re-imagine it as a great place to live, work and connect to the Yangtze River. Image © SOM
The waterfront is an asset for the city, both a quiet destination for appreciating the ecology of the river and a civic gathering space. Image © SOM
Amenities are placed within walking distance with a diversity of places to attract and support a wide range of business and residents—the key to long-term prosperity. Image © SOM
Existing villages guided the scale and arrangement of neighborhoods, with development focusing on retrofits and revitalization. Image © SOM
Historical elements will be preserved and adapted, reducing the resources consumed in redevelopment. Image © SOM
Open space is the driving force for the function and aesthetic of the district, connecting to the river with a cohesive plan. Image © SOM
The river forms the backbone of the district; a central boulevard mirrors the shoreline, while avenues form natural connections between the waterway and interior urban spaces. Image © SOM
Two old industrial canals – the North and South Slips are brought into the city as water features. Image © SOM