Quzhou Lixian Future Community: A New Urban Living Vision

Yiwen Yu's Award-Winning Design Redefines Residential Spaces

The Quzhou Lixian Future Community is a groundbreaking project that challenges the status quo of urban residential design in China. Over the past three decades, the focus on economic efficiency has led to a homogenous and isolating urban landscape. Yiwen Yu and the design team sought inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese settlements and the local residential culture of Quzhou to forge a new path towards a vibrant and sustainable neighborhood that resonates with the ancient city's spirit.

At the heart of this project is the innovative "4+X" scenario system, which emphasizes the creation of future communities centered around neighborhood, education, health, and governance. This system integrates additional elements such as entrepreneurship, transportation, low-carbon initiatives, architecture, and services. The result is a multifaceted residential experience that offers a warm neighborhood, a resilient natural community, and an orderly environment, ultimately forging an international garden community.

The design's realization was made possible through the strategic integration of land resources and urban transportation facilities from the planning stage. This foresight allowed for the development of a unique cross-district 3D traffic system and an enclosed layout. The application of BIM technology during the survey and design phase ensured precision in technical drawings, while the adoption of prefabricated buildings and other low-carbon technologies elevated construction efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The Quzhou Lixian Future Community spans a site area of 106,927 m2, with a gross floor area of 363,058 m2. Residents can enjoy community gardens and open spaces interconnected by an elevated pedestrian network that seamlessly blends with the surrounding urban streets. This network, accessible via steps, ramps, and elevators, establishes a clear yet open boundary for the community, fostering a strong sense of belonging among its inhabitants.

Commencing in 2019, the design phase of the Lixian project set the stage for a transformative construction process that spanned from 2020 to 2023. The project's research foundation was deeply rooted in the central location of Quzhou city, leveraging the area's historical urban fabric to create a contemporary pedestrian system that echoes the intimacy of ancient city streets and alleys. The design strategically places five-story buildings around courtyards with scattered high-rise towers, effectively translating the capacity of towering structures into the density of multi-story buildings.

Yiwen Yu's vision for the Quzhou Lixian Future Community has successfully overcome the creative and technical challenges of departing from established Chinese real estate development practices. The project now stands as a beloved urban space where residents engage with their environment, from admiring the architectural arches to enjoying the tranquility of the Qujiang River. The Lixian Future Community is not just a place of residence; it is a dynamic and engaging living experience that honors the past while embracing the future.