MUDD student projects

exhibits

2001-2002 Shanghai - Expo 2010

Perspective of Pudong entrance precinct

Master Plan

Introduction

Shanghai, China has lodged a bid to host the World Exposition 2010. It has chosen the theme 'Better Life Better City' since the quality of urban living is increasingly vital as urban populations expand. The Expo site sits on two sides of the Huangpu River - the lesser portion on the Puxi (old city) and greater on Pudong (new city). Most of the site is occupied by industries, there is also a large residential population.

Integrating Urban Synergy

Design Concept
  • Green wedges (parks) on both sides of the river are established to open up visual channels overlooking the four exhibition areas.

  • Green space links public spaces between a series of blocks, forming a green park system that interconnects with important landmarks and places attempting to bring people toward the water's edge.

  • Exhibition spaces are located in blocks that are structured over a clearly defined grid road system.

  • An underground pedestrian service vehicle tunnel runs across the river directly linking Puxi and Pudong.

    • Puxi Precinct

    Aerial view of Puxi entrance, looking towards the Pudong and residential precincts

  • The celebration space is designed to link the fan shaped park with an open air ampitheatre along the main pedestrian path.

  • The two main axes are further reinforced by rows of buildings with continuous facades.

  • A symbolic entrance structure and water feature are planned to enhance arrival to the site.

  • Buildings have retail outlets on the ground level to promote an active streetfront.

    • Pudong Precinct

  • This precinct showcases all the country/regional/city exhibits, with the main country pavilion situated along the riverfront.

  • Rows of buildings and trees define the two main axes which enclose the fan shaped park.

  • A 150m tall iconic tower forms the convergence point for two axes - one pointing towards the indoor ampitheatre and waterfront theme hall, and the other following the boulevard towards the housing exhibit precinct.

    • Discovering the Dynamic Design Concept

    The central theme of this proposal is the city's ability to integrate different types of city within itself. It is the way the city integrates which makes a city dynamic, and nowhere else in the world but Shanghai is this more prevalent. The concept uses the site design as an experimental exhibit. This design draws on the strengths of Shanghai and advocates that a 'Better City, Better Life' is found in the way the city evolves - how the old city is integrated into the new city.

    Design Strategies

    3D views of the Expo Centre


  • Open space system is anchored by a constructed waterway that is both parkland and natural wetlands.

  • The constructed waterway acts as the internal boundary to the main Expo attractions and is designed to accommodate large crowds.

  • The Expo Centre is a vertically segregated development with an integrated metro, light rail, bus and parking station servicing both the Expo and the office towers that frame the Expo Centre.

  • The design uses natural systems infused into the urban fabric of the City Environment development to show how a city can remediate its own pollution and provide better living conditions at the same time.

  • The Ceremonial Plaza on the Puxi side is located at the centre of the site so that it acts as a visual anchor for the entire Expo design.

    • Master Plan


    Perspective view of the Cultural Centre


    A Lasting Impression Design Concept

    This design has been driven by three main objectives:

  • The promotion of a 'Better City, Better Life'.
  • Creation of an exposition experience that is exciting and diverse.
  • Ensuring adaptable design so that following expo, the site can be transformed into a well integrated part of the city.

    • Adaptable design:transforming an Expo into a city

  • Public transport, road and pedestrian connections that provide ease of access to all parts of the site and waterfront and connects with the rest of Shanghai.
  • A street and block configuration that is sufficiently flexible to incorporate both the Expo and post-Expo traffic and building requirements.
  • Build permanent pavilions that, post-Expo, will form an International Village, this will continue the legacy of the Expo.
  • Ensuring a future residential, working and visitor population to sustain the public transport and commercial, entertainment and educational areas.

    • Engaging the River Design Concept

    The major element of the design is the creation of the Expo Island by linking a canal from Huangpu to the Bailanjing River. This results in improved opportunity for recreational, landscape, and transportational use of the new canal. The island itself enhances the security measure of the expo as well as giving it a strong identity.

    The site has been divided into a number of precincts - the Expo island, the South Harbour New Township and the Puxi Precinct. Each precinct is defined by its complimentary role in the overall scheme.

    Expo Precinct

    aerial view of the Expo site from the south east


  • Create an island by constructing a canal from the Huangpu River to link with Bailanjing River.
  • Improve access to the canal for recreational, landscape, and transportation uses.
  • Create a well defined centre and axis for easy way finding.
  • Locate major attractions and thematic pavilions in two main activity cores.
  • Plant thematic landscaping depicting the regional vegetation of China to give identity to the streets and avenues.
  • Incorporate natural treatment and recycling of grey and storm water on site with the aid of aquatic plants.

    • Celebrating the City Design Concept

    The concept has evolved through understanding the relationships between 'land and water', 'old and new' and the tension between these factors, culminating in the 'curved edge' design for the core Expo area. The design breaks the existing grid pattern (a traditional Chinese city planning form) with a curved boulevard, depicting the more natural river flows of the Huangpu River that divides the site. As a result of the free flowing curved design, a strongly defined edge to the core Expo area is achieved. The design concept has balanced the distribution of activities and attractions across both sides of the river to allow visitors to engage in the diverse city environments.

    Inner Harbour

    Master Plan


  • Design concept is to transfor this area into a major entertainment and leisure precinct for the city.
  • The key feature of the design is the creation of a harbour as a showcase for a range of activities including floating cinemas and markets. These will provide a unique experience in Shanghai.
  • Redevelop some former docks into restaurant facilities and markets.
  • The precinct will also contain a multi-cinema complex, bars/night clubs and a cultural and performing arts centre. These uses will widen the appeal of the harbour during day and night.
  • Former industrial buildings will be retained and retro-fitted to accommodate hi-tech industry and maritime exhibition halls.