Lingshui River Landscape Corridor

Project Profile

1．Project Statement 

The Lingshui River Landscape Corridor Project (Phase I) marks an ambitious step forward for the heart of Lingshui County, Hainan Province, by reconceptualizing the urban riverfront into a dynamic, multifunctional ecological and recreational hub. Aimed at revitalizing the fourth-largest river in Hainan, this project transcends its natural beauty to become a central cultural and leisure hub. It reimagines the previously uniform and artificial riverbanks as a living, accessible, and tiered landscape. This transformation integrates the innovative sponge city principles with Lingshui's distinct cultural essence, reflecting a profound evolution along the river bank and its adjacent green spaces.

2. Site and Challenge

Centrally located within the city, the Lingshui River contends with environmental decline and urban disconnect. Once a bustling part of urban life, neglect and structural rigidity have diminished its communal and ecological significance. The development phase, situated near prominent urban spaces like the Citizen Culture Square and Haiyun Plaza, addresses these concerns by reducing construction impacts and rekindling the bond between the river and its community. The adjacent upland green space, previously underutilized and contributing to stormwater runoff challenges, is set for transformation into a functional, permeable landscape, demonstrating a 42.2-hectare commitment to ecological and urban renewal.

3．Design Strategy

To confront these challenges, our approach is anchored in four strategic pillars:

- Sponge Green Space: The transformation encompasses the upland green space along the river, which will be redeveloped into a bio-diverse sponge area. Utilizing cut-and-fill techniques, bio-swales, and islets, this strategy aims to capture, filter, and utilize stormwater, thereby nourishing the local flora and enhancing ecological resilience.

- Terraced Living Banks: By converting the previously stark concrete banks into inviting, terraced landscapes, we aim to reconnect the community with the river. These terraces are designed to fulfill multiple roles, including ecological restoration, stormwater management, and habitat diversification, fostering a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity.

- Vegetation Enhancement: The river's edges, now featuring terraced banks, will host an array of plant species designed to filter runoff, elevate biodiversity, and beautify the landscape. This strategy emphasizes the role of green infrastructure in water purification, ecological enrichment, and visual appeal.

- Pedestrian Accessibility and Amenities: Enhancements extend to pedestrian pathways and recreational facilities along the river and within the upland green areas. By prioritizing accessible, human-centric designs, these amenities promote engagement with the natural surroundings, encouraging community wellness and interaction.

4. Conclusion

The Lingshui River Landscape Corridor Project (Phase I) epitomizes a transformative journey from a functional, artificial waterway to a vibrant, ecologically robust, and accessible riverfront. Through the integration of terraced banks, revitalized green spaces, and community-focused amenities, this initiative redefines urban-natural interplay. Beyond addressing immediate challenges, it pioneers a new benchmark for urban waterway rejuvenation, positioning the Lingshui River as a vital, engaging link within the urban ecosystem and a beacon of cultural and ecological integrity.