Wuxi City

Co-Creation: Smith Vigeant Architecture

This “Work in Progress” is a transformative eco-neighborhood in Wuxi that seamlessly integrates modern architecture with nature. Through innovative design and sustainable practices, it fosters a vibrant, human-scaled community. From covered shopping arcades and green embankments to biophilic facades and activated rooftops, every element enhances biodiversity and well-being, creating a dynamic, evolving urban oasis that respects Wuxi’s heritage while embracing future prosperity.

Inspired by the traditional rain-chain, these vertical green chandeliers channel rainwater downwards, capturing it to aid in evaporative cooling and cooling outdoor spaces. Serving as striking bio-art installations, they enhance the aesthetic appeal while improving the vertical circulation experience throughout the building.

Our design creates a biodiversity journey through lush green spaces, landscaped embankments, and integrated vegetation. Native plants and mature trees enhance the ecosystem, providing habitats for local wildlife and promoting biodiversity. This journey through nature fosters a deeper connection to the environment and enriches the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.

We recessed the ground floor to create a covered shopping arcade, providing shelter from the elements like sun and rain. Additionally, we graded the landscaped embankment all the way to the canal walk, adding greenery and biodiversity. This creates a more biophilic, garden-like environment lining the canal, enhancing the pedestrian experience.

The rooftop is a sky oasis with urban agriculture planters and a photovoltaic canopy that generates renewable energy and provides shelter. This versatile space can be rented for events, generating extra revenue, and serves as a public amenity. Picture morning yoga, sunset drinks, and lunchtime BBQs, creating a vibrant community hub.