Tongnan Dafosi Wetland Park, designed by Kongjian Yu of Turenscape, is an innovative landscape project along the Fu River in the Tongnan District of Chongqing, China. As an urban park, it serves multiple purposes, including flood management, ecological restoration, and community recreation. The park is celebrated for its approach to combining nature with urban development, using the concept of "flooding as a friend" to enhance the natural landscape and cultural heritage of the area. The design protects the wetland ecosystem and revitalizes the city's riverside environment.
General Layout
The park's layout is divided into several distinct zones, each serving different functions. Key areas include an urban balcony, sports and leisure zones, a wetland area near the historic Dafosi (Big Buddha Temple), and spaces designed for meditation and relaxation. The park also incorporates riverbank pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, offering close interactions with nature. Notable features include lotus ponds, aquatic gardens, and bird habitats that encourage biodiversity. The park integrates recreational spaces with natural habitats, creating a "living room" for urban dwellers.
Materials
The park predominantly uses natural materials to complement the surrounding landscape. Wooden boardwalks, permeable stone paths, and native vegetation are strategically employed to minimize environmental impact. Local plants such as Jacaranda, Taxodium, and Salix, along with aquatic flora like lotus flowers, enhance the ecological value of the site. Additionally, sustainable infrastructure, including water management pipelines, helps maintain the park's wetland ecosystem while promoting environmental stewardship.
Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability is at the core of the park's design. The concept of "flooding as a friend" is central to its adaptive water management system, where the natural flood patterns of the Fu River are embraced rather than resisted. This strategy reduces maintenance costs and mitigates flood risks while supporting the park's biodiversity. Restoring native habitats, such as maple and grasslands, fosters ecological resilience. The park also contributes to climate change adaptation by increasing green space, promoting water conservation, and enhancing flood protection. Ecological slope protection and tree islands encourage habitat diversity, particularly for birds and aquatic species.
Conclusion
Tongnan Dafosi Wetland Park exemplifies a thoughtful and practical approach to integrating urban development with ecological preservation. Its innovative flood-adaptive design and low-maintenance infrastructure provide valuable insights for future urban landscapes. The park successfully restores natural habitats while offering recreational spaces for the community. By combining ecological sustainability with cultural and social amenities, the project sets a benchmark for multifunctional public spaces. The park enhances environmental resilience and urban livability through effective water management and habitat restoration.
Photos from world-architects.com
