Hongshan Lake Civil Park: A New Definition of Urban Public Space

Ecology-Oriented Design by L and A Design Wins Silver A' Design Award

The park is situated in a regional tourist distribution center in Guizhou, an area experiencing rapid development. The urgency to establish a modern urban public space to enhance the ecological environment and provide a living space for residents has led to the creation of this park. The design aims to promote Anshun's transformation into a tourism-oriented city.

What sets the Hongshan Lake Civil Park apart is its focus on ecology. The park is designed as an urban public space with an integrated ecosystem. The Low Impact Development (LID) Strategy was employed to protect the park's existing ecological functions and restore the ecosystem. The design team created various functional spaces for people of all ages using participatory and ground-based design skills. The goal was to redefine landscape architecture in China's urban public spaces and create an ideal model for urban public space renovation.

The LID Strategy was effectively implemented in the site renovation to maximize the site's original human-land relationship and vegetation relationship. A rain garden was constructed, and rainwater control was achieved through four levels: decentralized management, vegetation interception and soil infiltration, detention basins and grassed swales, and discharge measures. Additionally, a variety of non-powered safe amusement equipment was designed, considering the scales, materials, and elements of a child-friendly play space.

The park covers an area of 149901 square meters, with a landscape area of 149119 square meters. The design process involved overcoming challenges related to terrain differences and the destruction of the original ecosystem caused by climate change. The maximum height difference at the site is about 16 meters. During the rainy season, two low-lying areas in the park experienced issues with lodged vegetation and water overflow due to continuous rainfall.

The design team conducted research on surface runoff and eco-corridors using data models. This research helped determine the potential ecological risks of excavation and embankment work and improve the space function in line with geographic and geomorphic conditions. Water fronts were designed into naturally-planted revetment and water affinity revetment, contributing to local climate changes such as the rainy season.

Winning the Silver A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2021, the Hongshan Lake Civil Park is a testament to L and A Design's innovative approach to landscape architecture. The award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.