Whale Park: A Visionary Eco-Innovation Model for Urban Regeneration
- Award Year: 2024
- Award Category: Design $1M to $5M
- Award Designation: Honor Award
- Client: VANKE CO., LTD.
- Location: Harbin, China
Harbin, where the site is located, is an old industrial city facing challenges of environmental pollution and limited green spaces. A dire need for comprehensive ecological restoration is evident to transform this landscape into a harmonious and sustainable environment.
Whale Park transformed a derelict industrial wasteland near the community's railway into an ecologically managed space, seamlessly integrating environmental restoration with undulating streamlined landscapes, endowing the space with enhanced functionality and charm.
The park strategically employs a continuous five-tier water ecological approach to effectively mitigate the repercussions of industrial pollutants in rainwater on both urban ecology and underground water systems.
The innovative three-layers park design not only offers a diverse range of spatial experiences but also showcases a central zone dedicated to a series of meticulously crafted and highly efficient storm water treatment experimental sites.
The park periphery incorporates swales, utilizing sunken ecological terraces to capture stormwater. Boasting over 40 native plant species within the site, it exemplifies an exemplary ecological paradigm.
In response to Harbin's substantial summer rainfall, our park features over 6000 square meters of landscaped plant-covered slopes.. These areas not only retain but also ecologically manage stormwater runoff, contributing to the promotion of sustainable water resource utilization.
The undulating grassland not only offers dynamic activity spaces but also incorporates permeable surfaces for runoff infiltration and sediment control. The site features playful soil ecology display nodes, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability.
Filled with permeable materials at the base, the artistically crafted Infiltration Basin allows stormwater runoff, pre-treated by ecological plant processes, to gradually infiltrate the groundwater, thereby enhancing the quality of the local underground water.
The park boasts a series of landscape signs strategically designed for ecological education，highlighting topics such as the role of rain gardens, water-powered irrigation in sponge cities, and the formation of icebergs.
Beyond being an eco-conscious park with an advanced stormwater system, it stands as a dynamic and joyous space. Multiple landscape areas create a communal space suitable for all age groups throughout the year.
The central area of the park, along with small train station, provides a space for seniors to engage in morning exercises and practice Tai Chi.
The park unfolds as a haven for public activities, featuring a charming tree-lined plaza and vibrant basketball courts tailored for the energetic spirit of the youth.
The park not only enriches local community life but also offers citizens diverse opportunities for recreation, creating abundant spaces for interaction and play.
Beyond playgrounds for children, the park introduces a charming mini train. Slowly traversing through the greenery and woods along the tracks, the train revives the historical memory of the site's railway, adding a delightful touch to the park experience.
The mini train tracks winding through the ecological birch forest, verdant grassy slopes in the shade, and multi-tiered park spaces collectively offer a rich and diverse landscape experience.
The park employs an integrated landscape-ecological approach to manage over 65% of on-site stormwater and purify 80% of air pollution emanating from surrounding areas. It also creates a diverse and vibrant space that attracts at least 230 residents daily.
Summary
Harbin, an aged industrial city, confronts dual challenges of environmental pollution and limited green space resources. Ingeniously, our project team transformed a neglected factory wasteland beside a community railway into an exceptional park that harmoniously integrates ecological restoration with creative landscaping. By designing streamlined and undulating landscapes, the park not only acquired additional functional attributes but also achieved a seamless blend of ecology and aesthetics.
Remarkably, the park incorporates a continuous five-tiered water ecological system, effectively treating rainwater contaminated by industrial activities. This mitigates the adverse impacts of pollutants on urban ecology and groundwater systems, making a substantial contribution to enhancing the city’s ecological environment.
Moreover, the park’s establishment significantly beautifies the surrounding area and enriches the local community’s lifestyle. It offers a myriad of social, educational, and sports spaces, fostering interactions and exchanges among citizens, thereby strengthening community cohesion. The successful implementation of this project serves as a model for Harbin’s urban renewal efforts, propelling the city towards sustainable development.
Narrative
Whale Park in Harbin’s Xiangfang District exemplifies urban environmental transformation through ecological innovation, converting an old industrial site into a vibrant green space. As China’s urban areas rapidly expand, the need for green spaces in densely populated and polluted districts becomes critical. Whale Park responds to this need by revitalizing an old city area, enhancing the local ecosystem, and providing diverse functions that stimulate community development and cater to the complex needs of urban residents.
Location and Ecological Challenges
Situated in an industrial northern city, Whale Park faces significant ecological challenges, including managing summer rainfall that previously polluted the city’s groundwater. The design of Whale Park addresses these issues by harnessing ecological techniques to manage water quality and reduce environmental pollution. The site, once home to an old railway track, combines historical elements with new ecological functions. This transformation not only preserves the railway’s historical value but also repurposes it as a recreational space rich in landscape features.
Innovative Design and Layout
The park’s design utilizes a three-tiered terrain to establish a comprehensive five-layer water ecological system. This includes ecological swales and terraces that capture rainwater, while permeable surfaces promote runoff infiltration. At the park’s center, an infiltration basin filled with permeable materials allows treated stormwater to enhance groundwater quality. The upper layers of the park, with forest belts and scenic bridges, provide tranquil walking areas, while the lower layers feature plazas and water elements for community events and children’s activities.
Community Engagement and Cultural Integration
Whale Park offers varied landscapes that cater to all ages. Its central plaza and small station pavilions host activities for the elderly, such as Tai Chi, while younger visitors enjoy sports facilities and playgrounds. Educational elements throughout the park teach about natural processes, using the park’s design and local flora to engage and inform visitors. A striking whale sculpture at the entrance marks the park as a distinctive landmark, inviting community interaction and learning.
Environmental Impact and Community Value
Through its landscape and ecological designs, Whale Park manages a significant portion of the area’s stormwater and mitigates air pollution, enhancing both the environment and the community’s quality of life. The park’s ecological wetland serves as a habitat for wildlife and a natural filtration system, further purifying water and providing educational and recreational opportunities for birdwatching and nature interactions.
A Model for Urban Renewal
Whale Park’s success in integrating ecological sustainability with community-focused design serves as a model for urban renewal. It demonstrates how green spaces can transform urban environments, support community activities, and foster a sustainable and vibrant urban life. Through its innovative design and multifunctional use, Whale Park has become a cornerstone in the community, highlighting the potential for urban areas to thrive as sustainable, engaging environments.
Plant List
- Cedarwood
- Lacebark pine
- Mono maple
- Locust tree
- Celtis sinensis
- Koelreuteria paniculata
- Fraxinus chinensis
- Gingko
- Weeping maple
- Birch tree
- Spruces
- Catalpa kaempferi
- Torch tree
- Mongolian oak
- Populus tremula
- Red maple
- Persimmon tree
- Chinese red plum
- Apricot tree
- Cherry tree
- Chinese elm
- Hibiscus syriacus
- Chinese redbud
- Chinese boxwood
- Privet
- Winter jasmine
- Forsythia
- Mexican feather grass
- Wolfsbane
- Chinese awn
- Forsythia pulcherrima
- Acorus calamus
- Daisy
- Iricdaceae
- Asparagus
- Lilac
- Sedum
- Greater cucurbitaceae
- Chrysanthemum
- Phyllostachys edulis
- Dianthus chinensis
- Chinese peony
- Orange daylily
- Yellow calamus
- 2024 Awards Jury
Documents and Media
Planning Docs (if applicable):