SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SWA Group has won a master plan assignment creating an entirely new Riverfront District to accommodate growth, in sync with environmental and sustainability objectives, on the Wusong River in the city of Kunshan, China outside Shanghai.

The 10.2 million square-foot (955,000 square meter) project-area includes master planning for mixed-use implementations along the key oxbow portion of the waterfront as well as a phase-one business district and a signature main structure, the 107,640 square-foot (10,000 square meter) Huaqiao Forum building.

Of note, the master plan also provides a supporting framework for a regional planning for the Wusong River green network and the broader goals for integrating growth with environmental concerns including:

-- Providing synergy between development and water treatment so that it creates people-oriented amenities as well as environmental habitat

-- Maximizing the water edge for use and enjoyment by the community, and integrating numerous layers of experience

-- Maintaining building massings that are appropriate to the pedestrian scale, preserve open space and enable the flexibility of phasing the construction schedule.

The project-sponsor, Kunshan Huaqiao Economical Development and Planning Bureau, wanted to create a new waterfront district that supports the area’s bustling economy while creating public amenities and open space. In analyzing the Wusong River’s natural systems, SWA Group identified the resources and opportunities to support the development objectives while also meeting sustainability goals, according to Hui-Li Lee of SWA. For example, the SWA plan calls for an extensive water purification system within the project’s infrastructure that provides for better water quality while creating recreational aspects.

The Kunshan new community is anticipated to begin first-phase construction in 2010, with a 10 year overall build-out. Other project consultants include Ojanen Chiou Architect LLP and Herrera Environmental Consultants.

SWA Group (www.swagroup.com), established in 1957, is an international landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm. SWA has offices in San Francisco, Sausalito, CA, Laguna Beach, CA, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Shanghai. Since its inception, SWA Group has worked in over 60 countries, and its projects have garnered more than 600 awards.

Editors: Images of the design-plan are available upon request.