Reconnection, Resilience, Revival
Xaiomeisha Coastal Zone Masterplan
Location: Shenzhen, China
Client: Shenzhen SDG Co., Ltd., Shenzhen
Program: Regeneration masterplan for a seaside resort, climate change mitigation measures, leisure programming, ecomomic feasibility
Since the early days of Shenzhen, Xiaomeisha has been a beachside resort for the local residents and it has not changed much ever since. The arrival of a new metro line and changing expectations of visitors offer the potential to revive the town and turn it into a lot more than what it is today.
We propose to use this opportunity to achieve three goals:
- To reconnect the sea with the natural hinterland
- To protect Xiaomeisha and to rebalance use by tourists with protection of marine nature
- To revive Xiaomeisha as a tourist magnet
Reconnection: Ecological systems are linked again. Green corridors make links that can be used by animals and at the same time serve as quality outdoor spaces. A water system improves natural infiltration and retention links the hinterland with the sea, greatly reducing flood risks through rainfall and adding new spatial qualities to Xiaomeisha.
Rebalance: The increased tourism can become a threat to nature. Therefore, the plan intensifies access in a few locations and limits it elsewhere. A beachfront dyke houses amenities and serves as the last line of defense. A maritime observation center allows to understand maritime life and a look underneath the water surface without intruding. Natural processes and natural mechanisms are used to further protect the coast: sand added to the beach protects it from high waves as does a new artificial reef.
Revival: The measures to reconnect and rebalance are used in such a way, that they help reviving Xiaomeisha. In addition, a new transport hub reduces the impact of the car, a new cable car connects the resort with the mountains and a new village center brings street life.
Together these measures will help updating Xiaomeisha, it will allow it to cope with increasing numbers of visitors and it will allow the place to cope with the effects of climate change in such a way, that the quality of natural habitat improves rather than deteriorates.
Stages:
2019: 1st prize international masterplanning competition
2019 – 20: Design development
Team:
MLA+: Alex Lee, Ivana Damjanovic, Kexin Huang, Martin Probst, Robert Younger, Ruizhi Cao, Ruojing Wu, Shaoning Wu, Wenchi Yang, Xu Xiao, Markus Appenzeller
Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl (Landscape & Water)
Colliers HK (Economy)
