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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