Chapman Taylor Unveils Visionary Urban Design Concept for Wusong Two Riverbank Clusters in Shanghai
Chapman Taylor has revealed its 1,400 Hectares urban design concept for the Wusong Two Riverbank Clusters in Shanghai, China, an ambitious vision that will transform the historic industrial shoreline into a dynamic, interactive riverfront city.
Chapman Taylor has revealed its 1,400 Hectares urban design concept for the Wusong Two Riverbank Clusters in Shanghai, China, an ambitious vision that transforms the historic industrial shoreline into a dynamic, interactive riverfront city.
The Great Wusong area, a key international gateway for cruise ships arriving in Shanghai, has a rich history of industrial and residential integration. Chapman Taylor’s design strategy proposes three fundamental shifts:
- From distant water views to close water access – bringing people closer to the water through active public spaces.
- From singular lines to diverse forms – creating a more fluid and engaging urban waterfront.
- From production zones to integrated parks – reimagining former industrial areas as vibrant green and cultural spaces.
This transformation is guided by the vision of an “interactive riverfront city,” blending urban life with ecological sustainability. The master plan introduces a golden waterway, where three rivers converge, supported by ten interactive urban corridors and nine unique riverside urban theatres—creating a fluid, vibrant connection between city and water.
A Green and Sustainable Future for Shanghai’s Waterfront
Two ecological hubs define the natural core of the project:
- Pao Taiwan Wetland
- San Cha Port Ecological Green Heart
These areas serve as key environmental anchors at the mouth of the Huangpu River, providing rich natural experiences while reinforcing the city's ecological resilience. Additionally, four ecological green hearts are strategically distributed along the river to activate and enliven the riverside areas, integrating green spaces into the urban fabric.
The nine major landscape belts introduce a spectrum of urban experiences, ranging from scientific innovation zones to nature-inspired spaces, offering a diverse and engaging waterfront environment. Meanwhile, ten interconnected corridors link both banks of the river:
- Baoshan area showcases cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation.
- Pudong area embraces an artistic, low-carbon ecological approach, reflecting Shanghai’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
A New Urban Waterfront Tapestry
Chapman Taylor’s Wusong Two Riverbank Clusters concept presents a harmonious blend of city and nature, reinforcing Shanghai’s status as a world-class waterfront metropolis. The design redefines how people interact with water, nature, and urban spaces, fostering a new era of connectivity, sustainability, and cultural vitality along Shanghai’s riverbanks.
This visionary plan promises to create an engaging and dynamic urban environment, where history, innovation, and nature come together to shape the future of Shanghai’s waterfront.
At the heart of the vision are two major ecological hubs—Pao Taiwan Wetland and San Cha Port Ecological Green Heart—which serve as natural anchors along the Huangpu River, enhancing biodiversity and public engagement with nature. The plan also integrates four ecological green hearts, nine distinctive landscape belts, and ten interconnected urban corridors, weaving together innovation, culture, and nature.
Baoshan will emerge as a technology and innovation hub, while Pudong will focus on artistic, low-carbon urbanism, creating a harmonious balance between city, water, and ecology. This transformation will reinforce Shanghai’s status as a world-class waterfront metropolis, blending heritage with forward-thinking urban design.