China has become home to a third of the world’s “unicorn companies,” technology start-ups valued at over a billion US dollars, with Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province, developing into a hub where the computer chips for half the world’s laptops are produced. The area is also a leading producer of mobile hardware. The Tianfu New Area area to the south of the city is now being developed as an ecologically sustainable civic, business, and residential center for China’s technology and research sectors.
Dubbed Unicorn Island, the Zaha Hadid-designed master plan is well underway as its first building, the Start-Up exhibition and conference center, nears completion. The firm did not release many details about the exhibitions center, but did release a new video showcasing the building in its yet-to-be-completed form.
The 67-hectare master plan will help foster the continued growth of China’s digital economy. The mixed-use master plan for 70,000 researchers, office staff, residents, and visitors will include integrated clusters of buildings that surround the island’s central plaza and metro station. The radial layout enables the entire island to be accessed quickly via walking or by bike and newly developed green civic spaces will be interspersed with the building clusters.
See Also: Headspace expands Santa Monica corporate HQ
As part of the project, wetlands of the Tianfu New Area will be reestablished and will serve as water conservation, flood control, and recreation area. Unicorn Island will incorporate natural water management systems and innovations in urban farming technologies to provide residents, workers, and visitors with fresh, locally grown produce.
While the first structure on the island is nearing completion, Zaha Hadid has not released a completion date for the island as a whole.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Jan 2, 2024
Federal Highway Administration releases updated traffic control manual
With pedestrian deaths surging nationwide, the Federal Highway Administration released a new edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The manual contains standards for street markings and design, standardizing signage, and making driving as seamless as possible.
Urban Planning | Dec 18, 2023
The impacts of affordability, remote work, and personal safety on urban life
Data from Gensler's City Pulse Survey shows that although people are satisfied with their city's experience, it may not be enough.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 30, 2023
A lasting housing impact: Gen-Z redefines multifamily living
Nathan Casteel, Design Leader, DLR Group, details what sets an apartment community apart for younger generations.
Condominiums | Nov 6, 2023
Douglas Elliman launches its first Metro D.C. condominium project
Douglas Elliman, one of the largest independent residential real estate brokerages in the United States, announced last week that the firm will be handling the sales and marketing for Ten501 at City Centre West.
Office Buildings | Oct 16, 2023
The impact of office-to-residential conversion on downtown areas
Gensler's Duanne Render looks at the incentives that could bring more office-to-residential conversions to life.
Urban Planning | Oct 12, 2023
Top 10 'future-ready' cities
With rising climate dilemmas, breakthroughs in technology, and aging infrastructure, the needs of our cities cannot be solved with a single silver bullet. This Point2 report compared the country's top cities over a variety of metrics.
Resiliency | Aug 7, 2023
Creative ways cities are seeking to beat urban heat gain
As temperatures in many areas hit record highs this summer, cities around the world are turning to creative solutions to cope with the heat. Here are several creative ways cities are seeking to beat urban heat gain.
Affordable Housing | Jul 27, 2023
Repeatable, supportive housing for the unhoused
KTGY’s R+D concept, The Essential, rethinks supportive housing to support the individual and community with a standardized and easily repeatable design.
Urban Planning | Jul 26, 2023
America’s first 100% electric city shows the potential of government-industry alignment
Ithaca has turned heads with the start of its latest venture: Fully decarbonize and electrify the city by 2030.
Urban Planning | Jul 24, 2023
New York’s new ‘czar of public space’ ramps up pedestrian and bike-friendly projects
Having made considerable strides to make streets more accessible to pedestrians and bikers in recent years, New York City is continuing to build on that momentum. Ya-Ting Liu, the city’s first public realm officer, is shepherding $375 million in funding earmarked for projects intended to make the city more environmentally friendly and boost quality of life.
