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Quangyang Island ParkSASAKI ASSOCIATES

Guangyang

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groups. • Maximizing accessibility through the park, to

allow people with same opportunities to enjoy the park in a mountain range region.

• Reclaiming the existing quarry site via a human-accelerated natural succession process to bring the forest back to the site, while minimizing the initial construction cost of reforestation.

• Building wildlife habitats upon the food sources left from the former orchard and agricultural field and forest shelters created during succession process.

• Celebrating the agricultural history of the site through the integration of agriculture practices and educational programs on food making.

• Celebrating the local tradition of growing medical plants by integrating herb gardens into the retreat center and workshop.

• Integrating unique stormwater management strategies for the hilly site with the design elements.

The site’s stormwater management system has been designed to mimic the pre-existing hydrology of the site in order to mitigate impacts on the stormwater runoff quantity and quality from the proposed development. It has also been designed to reduce erosion and sedimentation of waterways. Existing ponds have been preserved and new retention ponds are proposed to detain runoff from the site and release it at lower rates. This will help prevent erosion of downstream channels. These ponds will also help reduce sediment and pollutant loads by allowing suspended solids to settle and nutrients be absorbed by vegetation in the ponds. Rainwater gardens will also be used to capture runoff from smaller areas, such as building roofs to provide groundwater recharge as well as detention. Sediment ponds are proposed at the base of steep slopes to capture potential eroded soils from impacting downstream drainage system. Vegetated bioswales are proposed in existing stream channels

Chongqing is one of China’s five mega cities. Famous for its history and recognized as the birthplace of Ba culture, it is also regarded as the economic center of Yangtze River’s upper stream region, a modern manufacturing industrial center, and as the transportation hub of China’s southwest region. Chongqing Park, a 54.27 hectare urban oasis, is located on the second largest inland island on the Yangtze River, just east of downtown Chongqing.

Sited at the intersection of two major roads on Guanyyang Island, the park is filled with fresh air and beautiful views of the water and mountains. Most of the site’s slopes are south-facing, making them suitable habitats for the wide variety of plant species native to this subtropical zone. The site connects to other large open spaces on the island, allowing visitors to wander through and wildlife to migrate. These connection points were central to the planning for the park, as the region has relatively few expansive green spaces for the active people of Chongqing to enjoy.

The site’s historical use as an orchard and farm was a defining theme in tying the site into the local landscape vernacular. Through restorative ecological strategies improve the island’s environment over time, Chongqing will provide more opportunities for people to appreciate nature. The colorful paths flowing through the forest link the park’s major destination points and viewing platforms—creating a series of walkable “necklaces” throughout the forest, with brightly-colored benches located at stopping points representing colorful jewels. The entire park is like an emerald jewel box, filled with activities that celebrate the return to nature for all ages.

The design strategies include:• Creating a diverse recreational program based

on various site conditions, to suit different age

QUANYANG ISLAND PARK SASAKI ASSOCIATES

GUANGYANG

Guangyang

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QUANYANG ISLAND PARK SASAKI ASSOCIATES

GUANGYANG

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QUANYANG ISLAND PARK, CHONGQING, P.R.C.

Image & Text Credts | Sasaki Associates

and along proposed roads to reduce the velocity of runoff and provide additional sediment and nutrient reduction.

Given its suburban location and recreation-focused programming, night access to the park will be limited. Artificial lighting is provided at selected areas only, to assist with evacuation of the park at dusk and to provide safe access to the building programs at night and events such, as summer concerts. The majority of the park will be kept dark at night to protect wildlife habitats, reduce light pollution, and to save energy. The light level in lighted areas of the park will be kept fairly low in comparison to the city in order to create artistic lighting effects while adding visibility and safety to the park.

QUANYANG ISLAND PARK SASAKI ASSOCIATES

GUANGYANG

GUANGYANG ISLAND PARK,