China Resources’ Hengqin Wanxiang World

10 DESIGN has been selected from 4 international architectural practices in a competition to design China Resources Land’s (CR Land) Hengqin Wanxiang World in Zhuhai, China.

CR Land in cooperation with Macao’s New Fenghong Real Estate Development and China Resources Trust have invested 50 billion yuan to build this premium development. Covering a total GFA of over two million sqm, the joint venture expects the project to begin construction in September 2016. When completed, this project will create approximately 50,000 jobs in Zhuhai and generate nearly 1 billion yuan in tax revenue each year, further promoting the economic growth of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Hengqin Wanxiang World is a large scale mixed use development with destination retail as a major anchor to create a dynamic new city centre. Ted Givens – Design Partner at 10 DESIGN said, “To realise CR Land’s vision, the design team created an ‘Experience Central Square’, which marks the nexus of the river and mountain geometries that surround the site. This large central hub becomes the active heart of the masterplan unifying 4 neighbourhoods and providing a vibrant retail and cultural destination.”

The ‘Experience Central Square’ offers a series of cultural programs such as an art and performing centre and outdoor multi-purpose venue. Such engagement of experiences will allure visitors to spend good quality entertainment time at the venue. This in turn will generate footfall supporting the Duty Free Mall, retail high street, and F&B outlets throughout the development.

Miriam Au Yeung - Project Director and Partner at 10 DESIGN further expanded, “In addition to the ‘Experience Central Square’, the energy of the city centre is ignited by the diverse mix of amenities including the Central Green Belt - Wanxiang Avenue, Retail Axis, Waterfront Promenade, National Pavilions, Expo and Convention Centre.

Givens added, “Sustainable design is a key driver for the master plan design. The first concept is to minimise the energy requirements through simple passive solar principles. Another goal is to reduce the reflectance and light pollution generated by the project through maximising the solid areas of the tower façades. With the proximity to the river, treating the storm water run-off through bio swales and abundant garden spaces is also very critical to achieving an eco-responsible design.”

Through these combined amenities and green initiatives, Hengqin Wanxiang World will transform the island into one of the most sustainable and integrated city centres in Southern China.