The plan is structured from the superimposition of the historic layout of the city, mainly the Huagpu river, the Old town and its distinctive layout over the existing fabric of the site including the preserved and reconstituted area. The elements of the plan of the city are oriented in the true direction of the city, connecting the beacon of the industrial period (the Chimney) to the familiar Shanghanese housing on Wanping Lu. The north west part of the park is constituted by the preserved Art-Deco buildings, the Colonial Villa and the connection to the Hengshan Lu. All of these elements are existing and contribute to the allegory.
Art-Deco Garden
The inspiration for this part of the garden comes from the surrounding area where many Art Deco Building are present. The garden is developed from the inspiration of the world renowned western painter Piet Mondrian who, with other artists such as Picasso, revolutionised art thinking in the western hemisphere. Mondrian's paintings are characterised by the purity of its composition based on regular patterns of lines and surfaces designed with primary colours, white and black. The design of this garden complements the simple put very elegant proportions of the buildings. This composition of building and garden are of particular interest when juxtaposed to the French concession period and the beautiful historic villa on Hengshan.
Colonial Garden
The restored Colonial Villa will be enhanced by the creation of formal garden "rooms" that are designed in a modern style, but evoke the proportions and geometric forms of the colonial style gardens.
Working Neighbourhood
In the advent that the buildings of the sector illustrated as Phase 3, along Wanping Lu, are secured, we propose to preserve most of the original buildings (following a detailed analysis of the site and it characteristics) and to create a unique tourist area that would offer select shopping, small cafés and restaurants and B&Bs (Bed and Breakfasts). This area would offer a unique experience for international travellers who want to experience the traditional lifestyle of Shanghai with the comfort that international travellers expect. This type of service is offered in many European and some in North-American capitals and are extremely appreciated by some group of travellers. This tourist service would complement admirably the international district of Henghsan for both the tourist and the people of Shanghai. The city would add to its international status by offering such a unique service, particularly if it is integrated in a overall vision based on the preservation of other architectural features such as the other buildings and the beacon of the industrial era.
Although the site of phase 3 was not part of the competition, we think that it is very appropriate at this stage of the planning process to study the overall site. It is for this reason that we submit an overall vision for the site. We do understand that much more studies shall be carried out in order to finalise the plan. In the advent where phase 3 is not available the concept put forward would still be feasible.
