City: Tianjin

Our master plan framework redefined Tianjin’s identity and rebuilt its development strategy by placing the Haihe River at the nexus of its urban revitalization efforts. The waterfront embankment provided a public open space for local residents to regain their lives to the city’s mother river.

Part of the vision of restoring the port city of Tianjin into its status as an international riverfront city in northern China includes a comprehensive development plan for the Hai River. The aim is to develop the waterfront as a world-class river and landscape corridor, an essential component in the Tianjin’s bid to create a strong cosmopolitan identity. We have been involved with the overall strategic plan and environmental master plan for the 20km Hai River corridor. After submitting the winning entry in an invitation-only competition to outline the concept for the first phase development of the Hai River embankment enhancement, we were commissioned to continue the schematic design of the 10 km embankment design and to oversee its implementation, which involved site supervision work.

Our study aimed to establish the overall framework and design principles for the embankment area. Focal open spaces were identified and injected with new landscape features that relate to and reflect the existing cultural heritage. The new landscape integrates with the embankment treatment and establishes a strong identity for this significant stretch of Hai River.

The design gives Tianjin the cosmopolitan statement it sought and serves as a modern vernacular that both builds on and reflects the site’s heritage. We played a critical role in the coordination and implementation of the landscape design. For the final contractual implementation stage, our site team coordinated the daily dialogue between various public authorities to ensure that the original vision was realized. Tianjin’s new international waterfront will be a focal point for the further development of Tianjin as a world-class city.

The project was recognized amongst the 2008 Landscape Institute Awards for creating innovative and dynamic landscapes.

While developing the unprecedented scale of urbanization in human history, China is also pressured to deliver emission-reduction goals through its building sector. AECOM’s China Building Engineering team created the only project in the world to receive four different green building credentials.

This 400,000-square-meter low-carbon and green demonstrative complex is a focal point of Tianjin TEDA Modern Service District (MSD). AECOM was assigned to provide engineering services.

Opened in 2014, it’s the only project in the world to receive four different, high-grade green building credentials, US LEED Gold; China Green Building, Three Star; European BREEAM, Very Good; and Japan CASABEE, Grade S.

AECOM China Building Engineering team provided structure, MEP, and sustainability services. Leading engineering technologies, optimal design and constructible solutions on low carbon footprint / low energy consumption through the whole building life cycle, applying water conservation, renewable energy, high performance building envelop, efficient and comfort indoor space, intelligent BMS, green structure and materials.

This project used leading green technology application in the industry and also a demonstrative educational venue promoting green technologies and applications from design, construction, operation and maintenance.

The TEDA MSD started a new chapter of sustainability promotion through public bulletins and forums citing the accomplishments of this project. Optimal green techniques adopted in this project include passive design for all-year natural ventilation, a double-glazed (low-e) ventilated façade on the southern elevation and double-pane low-e facade on the northern elevation to achieve optimal building envelope performance, and high efficiency and low carbon emission MEP system and equipment utilizing under floor air distribution.

Other conservation measures include ground source heat pumps and SCBH15 high performance transformers.

Public Awards “Innovative Green Building – MIPIM Asia 2014”.

Architect: Atkins.