Suzhou Creek: Transforming a Century-Old Campus into a Stunning Waterfront Landscape

Creating a Unique Blend of History and Nature

Changning campus of East China University of political science and law is located in the east of Changning District, Shanghai and in the north of Yuyuan Road Historical and cultural style area. It is 900 meters along the riverside. It is a rare non industrialized area along the Suzhou River. It has unique characteristics and portal effect. The transformation and improvement of its riverside line will be of great significance to the construction of the whole area along the Suzhou River.

The design concept is to shape East China University of political science and law, a "century old campus and the Pearl of the Su River", into the most open public space along the Su River, the most elegant historical style and the most beautiful campus landscape. The landscape goal is to create a unique landscape form of "courtyard in the garden, garden in the courtyard". By retaining and protecting the spatial pattern, historical buildings and landscape environment, the overall style of campus is taken as a part of the landscape along the Suzhou River to open the scenery to the public.

The design fully excavates the existing resources. It combines the originally independent campus with the riverside footpath, and relies on the unique Chinese and western excellent historical buildings of the campus, so as to "highlight the architectural style of national treasures, optimize the riverside landscape quality; excavate the humanistic elements of the campus and activate the riverside humanistic space; ensure the safety of the campus interface and establish a security management system" With the three design concepts as the core, the riverside footpaths that were originally narrow, single landscape and lack of public service facilities were comprehensively combed and rearranged, and the original single landscape form of "pedestrian footpath + plant greening" was transformed into a new model of "campus landscape + shared space + riverside promenade".

The design of this project began in March 2021 and was completed in September 2021. The construction lasted for 5 months, resulting in a stunning waterfront landscape that seamlessly integrates the campus with the Suzhou River.

This exceptional design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Landscape Planning and Garden Design in 2022. The project was recognized for its creative ingenuity and its ability to blend history, nature, and functionality into a harmonious space that enhances the quality of life for all who visit.