Safdie Architects Complete Phase Two of Habitat Qinhuangdao
Safdie Architects has completed the second phase of its Habitat Qinhuangdao project for Kerry Properties. With the phase, the ambitious high-density residential complex located on the scenic coast of the Bohai Sea - approximately 200 miles east of Beijing, China - has significantly expanded the development, doubling its size since its initial opening in 2016.Habitat Qinhuangdao now boasts a vibrant community comprising over 1,800 households, all enjoying access to more than 40 acres of beautifully landscaped public gardens, terraces and recreational spaces designed to enhance both ground-level and elevated living experiences.The project draws inspiration from the pioneering principles of Habitat ’67, Moshe Safdie’s iconic urban housing project created for the 1967 World Exposition in Montreal. By incorporating daylight, natural ventilation, stunning views and green outdoor spaces, Habitat Qinhuangdao has successfully created a vibrant waterfront neighborhood that fosters a strong sense of community and a deep connection with nature.Habitat Qinhuangdao breaks down the mega-scale by organizing housing into a series of offset, stacked residential blocks. These blocks, which rise to 16 stories, are surrounded by gardens at the base and connected by skybridges at the 18th and 33rd floors. The buildings’ stepped and staggered formations create private terraces, balconies and solariums, while large “urban windows” enhance the connection between the city and the sea.The surrounding parks in Habitat Qinhuangdao are meticulously designed to celebrate Qinhuangdao’s natural landscape. These intensively planted parks provide a variety of passive and active recreational options, offering residents rich and diverse experiences through different topographies and flora. Amenities include adventure playgrounds, a landscaped amphitheater, planted promenade and reflective water features.Safdie Architects’ enduring commitment to the principle of “For Everyone a Garden” continues to shape their design approach across various projects and locales. This foundational belief, which emphasizes creating meaningful community spaces that connect people to nature, was revisited in their year-long research fellowship, Habitat of the Future, in 2010. Insights from this research inform Habitat Qinhuangdao's design, as well as other recent urban housing developments like Sky Habitat in Singapore and Altair in Colombo. Habitat Qinhuangdao stands as the largest built example of these ideals, embodying Safdie Architects' vision of creating vibrant, livable communities.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
Safdie Architects has completed the second phase of its Habitat Qinhuangdao project for Kerry Properties. With the phase, the ambitious high-density residential complex located on the scenic coast of the Bohai Sea - approximately 200 miles east of Beijing, China - has significantly expanded the development, doubling its size since its initial opening in 2016.
Habitat Qinhuangdao now boasts a vibrant community comprising over 1,800 households, all enjoying access to more than 40 acres of beautifully landscaped public gardens, terraces and recreational spaces designed to enhance both ground-level and elevated living experiences.
The project draws inspiration from the pioneering principles of Habitat ’67, Moshe Safdie’s iconic urban housing project created for the 1967 World Exposition in Montreal. By incorporating daylight, natural ventilation, stunning views and green outdoor spaces, Habitat Qinhuangdao has successfully created a vibrant waterfront neighborhood that fosters a strong sense of community and a deep connection with nature.
Habitat Qinhuangdao breaks down the mega-scale by organizing housing into a series of offset, stacked residential blocks. These blocks, which rise to 16 stories, are surrounded by gardens at the base and connected by skybridges at the 18th and 33rd floors. The buildings’ stepped and staggered formations create private terraces, balconies and solariums, while large “urban windows” enhance the connection between the city and the sea.
The surrounding parks in Habitat Qinhuangdao are meticulously designed to celebrate Qinhuangdao’s natural landscape. These intensively planted parks provide a variety of passive and active recreational options, offering residents rich and diverse experiences through different topographies and flora. Amenities include adventure playgrounds, a landscaped amphitheater, planted promenade and reflective water features.
Safdie Architects’ enduring commitment to the principle of “For Everyone a Garden” continues to shape their design approach across various projects and locales. This foundational belief, which emphasizes creating meaningful community spaces that connect people to nature, was revisited in their year-long research fellowship, Habitat of the Future, in 2010. Insights from this research inform Habitat Qinhuangdao's design, as well as other recent urban housing developments like Sky Habitat in Singapore and Altair in Colombo. Habitat Qinhuangdao stands as the largest built example of these ideals, embodying Safdie Architects' vision of creating vibrant, livable communities.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
