Foster + Partners has won an international competition to design a new centre in Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province in China. 

Called Yuhang Masterplan, the new masterplan will be shaped around a 2.5-kilometre central axis that will incorporate multiple towers and a multilevel infrastructure network that allows easy transportation. 

The new masterplan aims to create "a green and interconnected mixed-use quarter at the heart of the Yuhang District", as Foster + Partners emphasized. 

The central axis, described as "a leafy spine" by the firm, will also be enriched with a plenty of landscaping, a public park, wetlands, and canals that spread throughout the site. 

"We are delighted to have won the competition to design a new centre for Hangzhou, a beautiful city with nature at its heart," said Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.

"Our design stemmed from extensive public consultation - and is all about developing a sustainable new urban quarter, which establishes new connections with nature and makes it a part of people’s everyday lives," Evenden added.

"The masterplan is organised around a 2.5-kilometre central axis that runs the full length of the site, from north to south," emphasized Bruno Moser, Head of Urban Design, Foster + Partners. 

Moser added that "the axis intersects with different bodies of water, generating five distinctive zones with unique characteristics." 

"Each zone celebrates the city’s relationship with water in its various forms, from streams and lakes to canals and wetlands," Moser continued.

The masterplan will be shaped by extensive landscaping along the site. The site's central axis - called a leafy spine - is intended to guide people through the district. 

In addition, a new public park to the north, and a new cultural hub that sensitively connects with a wetland to the south form one part of the green space of the masterplan.

A public library, an exhibition hall and galleries - which will be situated along the full length of the axis - will be designated as cultural landmarks of the masterplan.

According to the firm, "this allows people across the district to access a rich programme of arts and culture."  

"Massing gradually steps up towards the central axis, to respect the site’s natural surroundings and create a busy urban centre with a dynamic skyline. Building density also increases around public transport hubs to encourage sustainable travel across the city," Foster + Partners added. 

Across the site, the firm also envisioned a large network of public transport so that it can respond to the needs of local users and connect seamlessly with the city’s wider infrastructure systems. 

This multilevel infrastructure network and a diverse range of ‘last mile’ transport options will offer shared micromobility, autonomous pods, shuttles, and water transport.  

"Our masterplan creates a balanced 24-hour district, where people can live, work and play," said Martin Castle, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners.

"We are providing a rich mix of public amenities - including offices, nurseries, sports facilities and a shopping centre - in close proximity to vibrant, human-scale neighbourhoods," Castle added.

The masterplan is envisioned to be "a low carbon masterplan" to be able to preserve existing wetlands, while integrating sustainable strategies – such as passive massing and rainwater reuse– to make a positive contribution to Hangzhou. 

The firm expects to achieve China’s 3-star green rating, as well as LEED and WELL Community Gold certification for the masterplan.

Another extensive masterplan of Foster + Partners is The Global City - a 117,4-hectare masterplan is set to offer "innovative and sustainable design solutions" to create a truly global city in Ho Chi Minh City.

The firm completed a new office tower in the newly regenerated Suhewan area of Shanghai. The Suhe Centre represents the first built project of Foster + Partners in Suhewan, China.

All images courtesy of Foster + Partners.

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centre concept Foster + Partners Hangzhou​