Chapman Taylor’s 956-hectare urban regeneration design for the Dongfang Coast Area in Hainan, China

Chapman Taylor has created an urban regeneration masterplan for the Dongfang coastline of Hainan in China.

The concept, themed “happy island, happy life”, envisages a bustling and well-integrated seafront city and port which will be an exemplar pioneer free trade port for the country. The urban design fully integrates Dongfang with the wider region and world while providing an inclusive, natural and flexible model for urban growth.

A phased strategy for urban expansion is applied around a framework of transport connections, water routes and greenways which connect the vibrant seafront area with a relaxing wetland park. The coastal belt is fully integrated and forms the trading, tourism and commercial core of the transformed city.

Key to the 956-hectare masterplan is a thriving and sustainable free trade port which will act as the focus for industry and trade in the area. The port is in an excellent strategic location where China’s Belt and Road (sea and land trade routes) meet and will be a key hub for trade with the wider ASEAN region. The port, beach and marina combine to form a dynamic city seafront.

The area’s ecology and landscapes are a major influence on the design, and a Sponge City water management and flood prevention strategy is adopted, using the existing wetlands and drainage system alongside new infrastructure for capturing and storing rainwater.

The goal is to make Dongfang a people-and-nature-friendly city and an economic and tourism powerhouse within an open coastal zone which will act as a gateway to the world.