Beijing's green district

Beijing's Dawangjing District

Before the Beijing Olympics, there was a lot of press about how the city officials were trying hard to cut down their emissions in order not to blanket the area with high levels of smog. While many thought this would only last for the duration of the games and once they were over, China would return to its highly-industrial, carbon-emitting ways however the Asian superpower has proven itself over again as a supporter of green energy.

With its high solar panel production and geothermal research, China is rapidly becoming one of the largest producers of renewable energy in the world and this looks set to increase with news that the country is to build a new urban centre in Beijing's Dawangjing District that will feature an integrated heating and cooling solution designed to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Green zone

This 'green district', designed by the Chicago and China offices of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), will be an urban model featuring integrated solutions for energy, water conservation and transit systems.

It will all be powered by a sustainable “engine” in the form of a Central Park that utilizes a geothermal heat-exchange system to help passively heat and cool all of the district’s buildings.

The scheme was picked in an International Competition to 'guide Wangjing's redevelopment'. Phillip Enquist, SOM Partner in Charge of Urban Design and Planning commented, “Our client is very interested in a strong cultural and commercial gateway to the City, which our plan clearly demonstrates.”

Strategically positioned

The urban centre is located only 11 kilometres from Beijing Capital International Airport, so when it's finished the site will act as a 'gateway' to the city, showcasing multiple public parks, cultural attractions and high-rise buildings to tourists and businessmen as they make their way to the capital city.

It's green credentials would also serve as a positive advert for businesses aiming to reduce carbon emissions and protect natural resources.

The designers have already set a goal for 80 percent of resident and worker journeys to be made by public transit, bicycle, or walking. Transit stations are proposed on the M15 subway line to enable quick and convenient access to the airport, while a comprehensive network of bicycle lanes would reduce automobile traffic and congestion.

Additionally, a streetcar network is proposed to eventually link all districts together.

"We saw this project as a demonstration. It offered us the opportunity to present new ways of thinking about reduced carbon footprints in cities. Our solution is an integrated comprehensive approach to urban design, architecture and the environment," SOM said.

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