We have rarely come across a plan for a housing community that looks so much like living in the wetlands as the Tian Yi Town Master Plan designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. The entire housing plan integrates wetland design, a canal system, natural vegetation and self-sustenance to create a modern living hub surrounded by nature. Slated to come up in the downtown Wuxi part of China, this looks like Venice clubbed with South American wetlands put in Asia!
The plan is basically designed around three zones that give it both shape and sustenance. There is an outer ring of wetlands and dense vegetation, an inner ring that offers community services and a place for social activities and a central zone that is a grand garden offering plenty of relaxed moments.
The buildings in the community are designed in a zigzag fashion to make the most out of natural heat and light for both ventilation and insulation purposes. This saves on huge amounts of energy that might otherwise be used for cooling and lighting purposes. The wetland outer ring and the canals that flow, along with rainwater harvesting, ensure that groundwater levels are maintained properly.
The community will have its own school, hospitals, library and every other facility will be provided within to the best possible extent. Apparently people with different income levels can all enjoy a home within the Yi Town Master Plan. This is one community that should ensure not only the presence of a green eco-system within, but also proximity to nature at all times.
Via: Shl
