A FLEXIBLE PLATFORM

Conceptual Design for Dadou Road Historical District: Bridging the Canal Divide

This project addresses critical challenges in Hangzhou's Dadou Road Historical District—specifically, the rigid commercial design, low visitor engagement, and the physical/visual disconnection between the pedestrian street and the historic Grand Canal. To resolve these issues, the design proposes a "folded plate" structural system as a spatial and experiential connector, aligning with Landscape Urbanism principles to integrate modern urban life with the Canal's aquatic environment.



Core Strategies:

1. Spatial & Visual Integration: The folded-plate structures create fluid transitions between the elevated pedestrian street and the waterfront, resolving abrupt elevation changes and enhancing visual permeability toward the Canal. This reconnects the district's commercial spine with the riverfront promenades.



2. Multi-Functional Activation: Terraced platforms along the folded plates accommodate diverse activities: riverside cafés, amphitheater-style seating for performances, recreational spaces for children, and rest areas for seniors. These elements weave into existing landmarks like Xiangji Temple and repurposed industrial sites (e.g., the National Silk Reservoir).



3. Cultural-Ecological Synergy: The design reinforces local identity by incorporating Dadou Road’s industrial heritage and Buddhist culture while supporting ecological connectivity. Examples include linking the temple’s release pond to the Canal and using native planting to manage stormwater.



Impact: The intervention transforms Dadou Road into a dynamic revitalization platform—where history, ecology, and contemporary urban life coalesce. It attracts tourists, residents, and community groups, fostering social interaction and economic activity while honoring cultural heritage. By treating landscape as living infrastructure, the project exemplifies Landscape Urbanism’s role in revitalizing post-industrial waterfront.