Chapman Taylor Shanghai’s design for Hangzhou Yuncheng

Chapman Taylor’s Shanghai Studio recently created a design concept for a Transport Oriented Development (TOD) in Hangzhou Yuncheng in the west of Hangzhou city, China.

The TOD will become an essential component of the Hangzhou West Science and Technology Innovation Corridor. This important area combines ecology, culture and transportation technology and will form the first ‘super TOD cluster’ led by dual-rail linkage and rail transit in China.

The urban design of the project is inspired by the landscape of Yuncheng and its surrounding environment, with a cloud-covered mountain and rain that turns into a stream. Using the height difference between the upper cover of the double rail and the ground, the "stream" converges into Liuyun Valley below, and an open space is set up to give people a wonderful experience as if they are walking through the valley of clouds.

The design respects the natural resources of the site, putting the TOD gently between the mountains and rivers. A vertical and horizontal spatial structure keeps the central green valley as its core. The vibrant and diverse core area will be a source of vitality, attracting people to the urban valley through various activities, allowing the entire region to be more integrated.

There are four major themed parks as well as a leisure area for residents. Under the parks, there is an area for traffic, an urban centre and places for culture and commerce. The final project will create an urban image integrating mountains, water and city, and urban functions combining tourism and business.

The “last mile” traffic issue will be circumnavigated by a micro-transit bus loop and additional green public transportation solutions.

The project is people-oriented and respectful of the diverse population. Nine comprehensive scenarios for future neighbourhoods have been proposed, to appeal to all ages, with themes that include education, transportation and health.