III. ENVIRONMENT MONITORING AND URBAN PLANNING

[ III-A | III-B | III-C | III-D | III-E | III-F | III-G | III-H ]

F. The comprehensive environmental harnessing of the Suzhou River

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4. Returning to the eco-accordance: originality of environmental planning of the Suzhou River

The reach of the Suzhou River inside the city will become a clear, pleasant stretch of river used as a water sight-seeing route by the citizens and visitors. Of this, the stretch from the Changshou Road Bridge to Outer Baidu Bridge, about 5 km long, is the most outstanding because of the originality of its planning- across the busiest segment ion of the downtown area.

(a) The spatial configuration

The winding trend of the Suzhou River brings an abundant spatial effect. The suitable spatial scale and the width of the river bring a quiet, harmonious, secure atmosphere. The planning of the spatial configuration is attuned nicely to this atmosphere. -

The reach from Outer Baidu Bridge to Henan Road Bridge is the extension of the Shanghai Outer-shoal, from which the Suzhou River joins the wider Huangpu River, on the very opposite bank to which is the new symbol of Shanghai - the Oriented Pearl Tower. The buildings alongside these banks have great historical value and significance. The characteristics of these scattered buildings reflect the flourishing view of Shanghai of half a century ago. The south bank is planned as open public land along the river. A group of high buildings on the north bank not only attract more investors but enrich the unique architectural outline of the north region of the Outer-shoal. The reach from Henan Road Bridge to Tibet Road Bridge, planned as a sight-seeing section, could be used as a resting place for the citizens or people from the central business district, making them relaxed and content.

The spatial configuration planning of the eastern section ion of the Suzhou River is based on the idea that the two river side roads should be used for pedestrian purposes. So the urban space, especially the urban space within these special surroundings, could be considered to express in its visual architectural language, the urban history, economic level of the society as well as the future development of the city.

(b) The pedestrian system along the river-side greenland

Integrated with the natural green spaces, the traffic planning of the eastern section of the Suzhou River can be developed into a perfect pedestrian layout. The pedestrian route along the river-side green land will be combined with the flood prevention wall, where the 21 m long red line is divided into three parts: the first 10 m from the bank will be raised so that pedestrians on it can see the water; the inside 8 m is considered as an alternative path with trees along the two sides; the other 3 m forms a pavement to the north of it. The planning of pedestrian movement must take virescence into account. Except for the continual band, there must be some open concentrated green land which could open up to both the city and the river so that the tourists can appreciate the urban view enhanced by graceful green cover.

(c) The water-touring route

The Outer-shoal with its abundant architectural styles should offer some impressive sights. There could be docks set at the banks combining with the river-side green land so that after exploring the Outer shoal and Shanghai's characteristic and traditional sights, the tourists can appreciate the beauty of the Suzhou River, once notorious for its smell, but now presenting an entirely new and appealing appearance .

The sights alongside the water-touring route must be exciting. So, in addition to the abundant buildings of the Outer-shoal, many other buildings can be planned as sights for water-tours, such as the Outer-shoal Jingcheng west to Henan Road, the super-skyscraper around People's Square, the preserved buildings after reconstruction, the high-building group in the Buyecheng Center, and the high-building corridor alongside the Jiangning Road of Jing'An District.

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