Shang Yuan: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Reviving Chinese Heritage in a Modern Demonstration Center

The inspiration for Shang Yuan stems from the historic city of Wuxi, known for its Grand Canal, a symbol of China's historical and cultural heritage. The local government's vision to transform the Grand Canal into a cultural, ecological, and tourism belt provided the impetus for this project. Shang Yuan is strategically located within this planned ecological belt, making it an integral part of the city's cultural and environmental transformation.

What sets Shang Yuan apart is its unique landscape design that draws from various elements of Chinese architecture and culture. The layout is inspired by the dignified form of the Forbidden City and the traditional Chinese ritual of returning home. It also incorporates the courtyard layout of the Summer Palace and features of Jiangnan gardens, creating a landscape pattern of "one hall, two axes, three entrances, five rituals, and six gardens". Each garden presents a different view, combining landscape and functionality, and fusing the ambience of Jiangnan gardens with contemporary lifestyle.

The realization of Shang Yuan's design involved absorbing the quintessence of architectures from the Tang Dynasty. The roofs of the buildings adopt Tang-style cornices and angles, and each building is decorated with customized patterns. The landscape design incorporates the concept of "sponge city", a new mode of urban rainwater management. The materials used are permeable, pressure-resistant, wear-resistant, slip-resistant, comfortable, and easy for maintenance.

Shang Yuan's design faced the challenge of creating iconic gardens that distinguish from those in other cities such as Hangzhou and Suzhou. The design refers to the layout of traditional royal gardens, and meanwhile restores the aesthetics of gardens in Jiangnan Region, thereby creating unique landscapes that blend garden styles both in north and south areas of China. This innovative approach to design has earned Shang Yuan the prestigious Silver A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.

The Shang Yuan project is a testament to the power of design in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage while meeting the demands of modern lifestyle. It is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can come together to create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply rooted in the local culture and history. Shang Yuan is more than just a demonstration center; it is a celebration of Wuxi's rich cultural heritage, a tribute to the city's past, and a vision for its future.