WEIFANG FOOD CITY
Competition - Concept Master Plan
Collaboration with NL Urban Solutions & Wageningen University (WAG)
Weifang, CH
INTRODUCTION
Food Town in Beichen Oasis aims to establish a showcase for the China Food Valley to present new living typologies and innovative technologies in the field
of food security & safety. Through an innovative urban development plan centred on the theme of food processing, science & innovation and the experience
of food consumption. We aim to create a new benchmark in urban planning, establishing an urban community that is sustainable, innovative and resilient
to the challenges of the future. Our aim is to create an urban framework which fosters a symbiotic relationship between food-consumption, food-production
and food –innovation.
CONTEXT
As emerging economies deal with growing urban areas at the expense of valuable agricultural land, food security and food quality are a central issue for
sustainable global development. Food Town offers the opportunity to establish a showcase city on how we can guarantee food security & safety through the
use of new technologies and innovations. Food Town should position itself as a key node for urban & leisure activities where the experience of food is the main theme. With programs such as food bazaars, farmer markets, international food exhibitions & trade shows and offering a high variety of domestic and international food outlets. Three programmatic pillars are central to Food Town Food -innovation, consumption
and production..
FOOD CYCLE PRINCIPLE
Food Town aims to establish a food cycle, a symbiotic relationship between food consumption, food-production and food-innovation. Each of the 5 districts offers a distinct programmatic mix of use aiming to foster cross pollination and integration of uses. Food production varies from using traditional soil based cultivation, vertical gardens and climate controlled green houses.
ENERGY CYCLE PRINCIPLE
Food Town aims to establish a closed energy cycle, re-using agricultural waste into biomass and converting this into green energy & farm fertilizer. In addition the buildings are used to generate energy through the use of integrated solar energy systems & wind turbines. The islands in the Green Ribbon have substantial reed beds covering their shores these function to filter the river water and can be used for energy production..
SOCIAL CYCLE PRINCIPLE
Food Town aims to establish an environment where young families can settle, prosper and grow through all stages of life. The elderly should again be at the centre of the community allowing them to be active participants in the urban environment. Through a diversity of housing typologies we aim to establish a living community that is sustainable, diverse, lively and socially inclusive.
GREEN RIBBON
The Green Ribbon forms the backbone of Food City, a green public space connecting the different districts with the adjacent River Park. The Green Ribbon facilitates research, commercial, social functions and sports facilities related to the overall program of food security. Through a network of bicycle paths and running lanes, the ribbon of islands are interconnected and provide a communal green lung through the new urban environment.
FOOD VILLAGE
At the centre of the development is Food Village, a pedestrian orientated retail and entertainment district, which offers food, leisure and retail outlets in combination with some larger scale programs such as cinemas, theatres and food market hall’s. The district also holds the Food Valley Experience Centre which provides an overall virtual experience tour of Food Valley and the concept of Food Security in China.
FOOD INNOVATION & RESEARCH DISTRICT
Surrounding Food Village are 3 districts that are centred on the concept of food production & innovation. These new urban districts aim to foster creativity, innovation and present an environment where young families can settle, prosper and grow through all stages of life. The 3 districts combine work, leisure and living and aim to showcase a new urban model where food production is an integrated part of urban living.
