Aquaculture Park: A Unique Agriturismo Education Centre

Reconnecting People with Nature and Food Production

Rural land and natural vegetation are becoming rare sights for Chinese people in the era of rapid urbanization. Future generations are becoming more disconnected and less understanding of food production. The Aquaculture Park seeks to address this issue by providing a unique agriturismo education centre that offers a range of facilities and activities.

The existing site for the project is a currently operating Aquaculture farm. The agri-tourism masterplan proposes a new educational centre, recreational centre, and eco-house. These facilities will allow visitors to learn about aquaculture, ecology, and agriculture while enjoying recreational activities in a beautiful rural setting.

The overall design of the Aquaculture Park is characterized by its adherence to the principles of ecological sustainable development. The masterplan takes into account the existing aquaculture fish farms and creates an adherent relationship between the newly proposed program and the existing landscape. This approach ensures that the project minimizes its impact on the site while enhancing its natural beauty.

Technical specifications of the project include a site area of approximately 23.5 hectares, with the existing land use consisting of 47.8% aquacultural water farms, 20% natural vegetation, 11.3% arable farmlands, and other elements such as waterways, pathways, and buildings. The overall configuration of the site is 640m long x 380m wide, with a maximum building height of 6-12m. The total gross floor area of the proposal is 13,700 square meters.

The Aquaculture Park is not only a place for education and recreation but also a destination for local tourists in the Huizhou region. It raises public awareness, especially among younger generations, about the daily production of food and the importance of sustainable practices. By providing a natural retreat and an education center, this project contributes to the preservation of rural landscapes and the promotion of sustainable food production.

The Aquaculture Park, designed by Siu Man Chan - Urbitect Works, was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the City Planning and Urban Design category in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes the project's outstanding and creatively ingenious design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The Aquaculture Park is a testament to the power of design in improving quality of life and making the world a better place.