Connecting Past, Present, and Future in a Living Landscape

The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park project designed by Turenscape harnesses the natural topology of the area to engineer a water-resilient landscape. Utilizing the concept of a sponge city, the project aims to alleviate flooding risks in the ancient city and purify contaminated waters. Crater-shaped islands emerge as multifunctional spaces to serve the community's diverse needs, while drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese cosmological symbols and the Eight Trigrams. These elements form a unique pattern language throughout the park, blending ecological sustainability with rich cultural narratives and social engagement. This project won at AZ Awards 2025 for Landscape Architecture category.

Winter transforms the crater island landscape into a picturesque arena for skiing and ice skating
Photo credit: Turenscape

The site's evolution into a rich, water resilient sponge park
Photo credit: Turenscape

Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails
Photo credit: Turenscape

Located in Huaiyang, in Henan Province, this site boasts a storied past, tracing back to China's first mythical emperor some 6,500 years ago. Fuxi, a pivotal figure in Chinese mythology, is celebrated for his invention of Bagua, or Eight Trigrams, that has deeply influenced the philosophical thought. Historically buffeted by the Yellow River's floods, Huaiyang's landscape, particularly Dragon Lake, embodies centuries of adaptive resilience. However, recent urban expansion has compromised this balance, encroaching on the lake's capacity to manage flood risks and diminishing the area's cultural heritage integrity. In response, a transformative vision was set forth to reclaim a 43-hectare site from encroachment, envisioning a public park that enhances flood resilience, meets community needs, and celebrates the area's rich historical tapestry.

Before
Photo credit: Turenscape

Aerial transformation: From 2021's landscape to 2023's vibrant Fuxi Cultural Park
Photo credit: Turenscape

Park's design inspired by celestial constellations, adding unique visual language. The flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' can regulate 1M m³ stormwater
Photo credit: Turenscape

Addressing the multifaceted challenges, the design strategy introduced innovative solutions, including the creation of a water-resilient sponge landscape. Utilizing on-site cut and fill, 860,000 cubic meters of dirt and debris were recycled to create a landscape comprising numerous islands adorned with flood-resistant vegetation that can regulate 1.0 million cubic meters of stormwater. Inspired by the intricate designs of ancient celestial constellation maps, this layout reflects the universe's intricate beauty and pays homage to Fuxi's role in developing the Bagua.

Pathways navigate through craters and tunnels, with water by boardwalks kept safe per regulations, eliminating handrails
Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm
Photo credit: Turenscape

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm
Photo credit: Turenscape

Innovative pocket gardens with thematic craters were also created among the myriad of simple verdant isles, where 27 distinct islands have been meticulously crafted into themed craters. Each hosts a variety of programs and activities, such as a children’s playground, an amphitheater, a basketball court, a tranquil water garden, a fountain, or an art installation, enriching each park with an array of exploratory and interactive experiences. Winter transforms the landscape into a picturesque arena for skiing and ice skating.

Sports ground and art installations in small craters add to park's interactive charm
Photo credit: Turenscape

Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity
Photo credit: Turenscape

Children's crater playground surrounded by flood-adaptive 'chaotic matrix' regulating stormwater up to 1.0 million cubic meters of capacity
Photo credit: Turenscape

Addressing the challenge of lake and urban runoff pollution, a bio-water treatment system has been implemented. This system channels water from the lake and urban areas through a constructed wetland for purification, before reintroducing it into Lake. The design of the water purification routes is meticulously integrated with the layout of a matrix of islands and connecting boardwalks, and is capable of purifying approximately 11,500 tons of water daily. Solar panels on the roof supply energy for the bio-water purification process. The selection of flora for the park draws inspiration from ancient folk songs, particularly "The Book of Songs: Chen Feng", which dates back over two millennia. Poplar and willow trees, frequently celebrated in these songs, dominate the landscape, creating a living homage to cultural heritage and fostering a deep connection with historical traditions and the natural world.

The bio-water purification system is intricately woven into the landscape, with roof-mounted solar panels providing the necessary energy
Photo credit: Turenscape

Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities
Photo credit: Turenscape

Islands' dense trees contrast with open lawns by the lake for varied activities
Photo credit: Turenscape

This project not only addresses environmental and social needs, but also serves as a conduit for cultural dialogue, connecting past, present, and future in a living landscape.

Turenscape

Established in 1998 by the esteemed Dr. Kongjian Yu (Harvard GSD), a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, laureate, the Oberlander Prize, and recipient of the IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award, Turenscape is acknowledged as a pioneering, government-accredited first-level design institute. With a dynamic team of over 500 experts, they specialize in architecture, landscape architecture, and urbanism, and are committed to delivering exceptional and holistic design solutions.