Shade of the Municipal Square

Citizen Square

The Shade of the Municipal Square, also known as Citizen Square, is a unique design by Li Junfeng that redefines the concept of a civic center. Unlike traditional administrative centers, this square embraces the spirit of inclusivity and community engagement. The design aims to create a welcoming and comfortable outdoor space that serves as a gathering place for citizens.

One of the standout features of the square is its tree-lined cover, which provides shade and creates a sense of enclosure. This arrangement not only offers relief from the sun but also guides people's behavior within the space. The square is divided into different sections, including an entrance square, a tree array square, a waterscape, and a tableland, each catering to various needs of the public.

The tree array square is a key element of the design, covering 35% of the total space. It offers comfortable and shaded outdoor areas for people to relax, socialize, and wait for public transport. Additionally, the square features a Halprin-style waterscape, adding a touch of leisure and helping to bridge height differences within the site.

The realization of this design involved careful consideration of various technical aspects. The selection of materials, such as granite for the paving, was based on the overall tone and functional properties of the building. The tree pools and slabs were meticulously processed to ensure they fit seamlessly into the design and accommodate the variation in height differences.

The Shade of the Municipal Square covers an area of approximately 24,270 square meters and features different paving specifications, including 300x300x40, 300x600x40, 400x800x40, and 600x1200x40. The tree array consists of different types, such as beech trees and ginkgo biloba, with two large-sized Palm elm symmetrical plants at the entrance.

Li Junfeng led a team of talented individuals, including Xia Mingyu, Cui Xu, Tao Fenfen, Li Yaming, Gu Wenwen, Gao Wei, and others, to bring this design to life. The project was located in Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.

The Shade of the Municipal Square is a result of extensive research and innovative thinking. The design team incorporated the low-intensity CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environment Design) method to ensure the space is safe and conducive to positive interactions. This approach provided guidance for controlling various aspects of the design in complex and diverse environments.

The design of the Shade of the Municipal Square faced several challenges. The site had restrictions due to its topography and the presence of numerous pipelines from adjacent buildings and surrounding roads. Additionally, the urban development in the area was still in its early stages, which posed challenges in terms of behavior and management practices. Overcoming these obstacles required creative problem-solving and a willingness to break away from traditional design norms.

The Shade of the Municipal Square represents a shift from a management-focused approach to a service-oriented one. The square maintains the order and image of the administrative space while meeting the public's expectations of a well-managed civic center. The grid-like arrangement of the tree array defines the overall sense of order in the space, while the staggered boundaries and refined areas within the grid serve as primary gathering spots, creating a "living room" for citizens.

This exceptional design, created by Li Junfeng and his team, has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in Landscape Planning and Garden Design. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, technical skill, and a commitment to improving the quality of life. The Shade of the Municipal Square is a testament to the power of innovative design in creating spaces that bring people together and enhance the urban environment.