Moshe Safdie exports his pixelated design concept to Qinhuangdao, China
Israeli-born architect Moshe Safdie is famous for his “Habitat 67” design created for that year’s Montreal World Fair. And though his “Safdie Plan” for Jerusalem was somewhat controversial, his talent has since gathered in strength and now features throughout the world. The most recent commission – a pixelated residential complex – will be built in Qinhuangdao, China and will include a host of friendly green design components.
Designed as either a primary or second home, Golden Dream Bay makes dense urban life feel like a breeze. Literally. Straddling the Qinguangdao beach, each of the 2200 condominiums comes complete with a small garden and a spectacular view.
Instead of plonking it directly on the beachfront like so many other structural eyesores, the building is specifically arranged around a north/south beach boardwalk and an east/west bazaar or “spine” – which creates a feeling of interconnectedness within itself but also with the greater community.
Each of the four towers are angled towards the beach and are connected via a series of sky bridges.
In addition to the private gardens, Safdie has incorporated public space on the 15th and 30th floors. There residents can enjoy more green space and swimming pools.
Recent evidence suggests that urban life will be more viable in the long-term than a series of spread out communities if the infrastructure is built sustainably. Once again, Safdie takes an important step in that direction.
:: evolo
More on Moshe Safdie:
Bring Moshe Safdie’s Green Building To The Middle East
Is Moshe Safdie’s Habitat ’67 A Viable Model For Middle Eastern Urban Architecture?
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
this building looks like a serious Parkour challenge.. very cool architecture.
Like what’s happened in Israel, all the balconies of the past have been covered up by cheap plastic shutters, and turned into alternate rooms. I hope for the Chinese, this won’t happen to this pleasantly designed building for the masses.