qin ling qujiang village

From an international design competition, Common Ground was awarded first place for the structure planning and master-planning of a 460ha site at the base of the Xian Mountain Ranges, a large national park area.

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The spatial plan establishes strong connections and land use patterns that integrate with surrounding land uses, both existing and proposed. This, combined with a strong underlying landscape framework, enables a pattern of intensive mixed use nodes and attractions to support the main town centre.

To reduce the impact and need for motor vehicles, a light rail route passes directly through the town centre from the future education campus in the south to a new Gateway retreat and spa complex in the north. This is supported by an east/west ferry system that followed a network of canals, watercourses and lakes in the lower areas.

The design approach drew heavily on the heritage and cultural history of the area to cement key features and establish 8 distinct precincts. These are supported by an expansive recreational and productive landscape. Features included a Monastery Village, Gateway Spa Complex and mountain gondola, lakeside estates, golf course and villas, indoor stadium, equestrian village and an extensive network of recreational trails.

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