Kunshan Projects I & II

Dr Maud Cassaignau with CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, Realm Studios, E2A, Monash University

In partnership with City of Kunshan China, within the National Songe City Program

View more information on Project I at Realm Studios and XSpace
View more information on Project II at Realm Studios and XSpace

Kunshan I

Kunshan II

The Kunshan projects were commissioned by the city of Kunshan as a transdisciplinary collaboration with a team of scientists from the Collaborative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities. The projects explored on a greenfield and a greyfield site of Kunshan in the Yangtze River Delta, how to respond to climate change, flooding and water quality issues through urban and landscape design.

Building on a heritage of canals and polders, the research explored the adaptation of existing systems and ecologies and integration of water sensitive and climate strategies within new urban designs. They aimed to improve water management and quality, urban micro-climate, health and well-being, but most importantly urban spaces, connectivity and amenity while avoiding usual seasonal damages and costs.

Design approaches instead of being program-driven, started from water-sensitive and climatic strategies. Their integration resulted in spaces framed around the experience of water processes and seasonal change, creating unique atmospheres mixing urban and landscape elements. While keeping ties to context, the plans countered inundation with integrated water retention and natural filtering. They investigated new urban types around food, water and knowledge production, water courtyards, roof wetlands and water edges. The Kunshan collaboration received the Award for Excellence in Innovation by the Federal Minister for Science and Innovation in Canberra. Kunshan City was subsequently nominated Sponge City.