CBD expands east this year

Designs of unique strength

The seven designs for the new CBD focus on two elements: smooth transportation and low carbon emission, said Li Guohong, deputy director of CBD Administration Committee.

Most are built to be reached by public transportation, bicycle and subway. The buildings themselves will tap solar and wind power, and use recyclable materials, with some areas zoned as green parks.

Li did not name any of the designers to keep the competition fair, but did say each design was unique to its developer.

Design 1: Trolly buses

This design includes spare lanes for bicycles and three lines for trolly buses. It has a central plaza with a 450-meter-high skyscraper as its landmark. The design includes several parks and leisure fields, including a culture park, family park, main park and Tonghui River Park.

Design 2: Low-speed magnetic lines

This design keeps the chimneys of the abandoned factories and integrates the industrial remains into a 668-meter-high tower which uses solar and wind power collectors and transformers. At 559 meters, the tower would have the world’s highest restauran. Low-speed magnetic public transportation lines are also another eye-catcher.

Design 3: Solar to cut emissions

This design considers the location of all building-in the area, placing them to receive as much sunlight as possible. It is expected to reduce energy consumption by 40 to 50 percent and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 50 percent.

Design 4: Transportation first

This design relies on public transportation for 70 percent of its traffic, encourages people to walk and limit the use of private vehicles to less than 15 percent during rush hour. The design also proposes placing a media park beside the People’s Dail.

Design 5: Green belt runs through it

This design proposes running a large green belt through the area. It would be a public place for people to relax and would connect all sides and corners of the area. The design also recommends using new materials on the walls of all buildings to collect and store solar energy.

Design 6: Color-coded blocks

This design also highlights public transportation, especially trolly trains, to connect office buildings and residential communities. It would use colors to clarify the various functional blocks. It also suggests a theme park for environmental protection and alternative energy be built on the industrial ruins.

Design 7: Aerial transport

This design suggests using cable cars to transport people and tourists. It would also build high-speed trains and trollies in the area, as well as place a ferry on the Tonghui River for tours.