To say that China has lagged behind in the sustainability movement is some- what of an understatement. “Just six
short years ago, the building community, the
real estate community, developers in China,
and corporations in China were not really
focused on sustainability or issues pertaining
to the environment,” explained Ming Wu, AIA,
principal with Perkins Eastman.
Today, however, the story is much different,
and the Chinese are wholeheartedly embracing
sustainability. One need look no further for
an example of this paradigm shift than the
ambitious Huishan North Bund project in
Shanghai, a 2.7 million square-foot anchor
redevelopment of the historic Hongkou District
waterfront along the Huangpu River that has
not only earned LEED Gold certification, but
also BREEAM and China Green Building
Assessment Standard designations.
Designed by EE&K, a Perkins Eastman company, the North Bund redevelopment comprises
a total of eight new buildings and a new marina.
Each building features a green roof, ice storage,
operable windows, and raised floor systems to
increase energy efficiency. Varied glass, steel,
and terra cotta facades are designed for the controlled absorption of abundant sunlight as well as
reflective light from the marina. These constructions—in addition to the esplanade, on-site storm
water harvesting, and easy access to multiple
modes of public transit—all represent a very
comprehensive sustainability initiative.
“I think most cities in the world that are
blessed with any kind of water frontage ... are
coming to the realization that a waterfront of
any kind is probably their most valuable natural
asset. In terms of a business plan, this [project]
is about restoring that waterfront to its newest
and best uses,” said Wu. “Equally important is
to reunite the citizenry with their waterfront after
a long, long absence. It’s profoundly changed
the quality of life for everyone who lives in the
Huangpu District which is one of the core districts
at the heart of Shanghai.”
Huishan
North Bund
By Perkins Eastman
Shanghai, China
In addition to the esplanade,
on-site storm water harvesting,
and easy access to multiple modes
of public transit—all represent
an ambitious and comprehen-
sive sustainability initiative.
The site has earned three sustainability designations and
represents a paradigm shift in China's design thinking.
PHO TOGRAPHY COUR TES Y OF PERKINS EASTMAN
