The landscape design project is situated within the Yongjiang Laboratory, located on the Yongjiang Science and Innovation Corridor in Ningbo. The overall planning area covers 27.5 hectares, with the landscape design scope for the laboratory encompassing approximately 14.57 hectares, and the first phase of the laboratory’s landscape design covering 5.97 hectares. The aim of this landscape design is to create a seamless innovation chain, focusing on the forefront of global technology and social sustainability. The project is intended to drive advancements in the digital future industry, enhance public health and well-being, and contribute to a sustainable future for humanity.
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Yongjiang Laboratory Research Zone B
Landscape Design (Concept)
Firm
MK+ Design Studio
Architect/Designer
Miaoshui Huang, Jiankun Ye
Design Team
Miaoshui Huang, Jiankun Ye, Ye Ma，Jinshuang Chen
Location
Ningbo, China
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©MK+ Design Studio
Based on the laboratory’s characteristics of office work, technology, and industrial functionality, and considering the practical needs and behaviors of its users, the overall landscape design concept begins with the motif of a circuit board. The design simplifies and further abstracts the geometric lines extracted from this motif, infusing the landscape with innovative and unique significance rooted in the digital concept.
The landscape design for Yongjiang Laboratory extensively utilizes sustainable materials, such as renewable bamboo and eco-friendly faux stone PC bricks. Adhering to low-carbon design principles, the landscape ensures that functional needs for contemporary work and living are met. Additionally, the integration of an unmanned transportation system underscores the park’s commitment to smart and efficient human-centered principles. The planting strategy combines 11% productive landscape, 31% ornamental landscape, and 58% ecological landscape, predominantly featuring native tree species. This is complemented by low-maintenance ornamental grasses and a variety of grasses and perennial plants, aimed at optimizing ecological benefits to the greatest extent. The design of the water features incorporates stormwater management functions, enhancing the microclimate of the park and providing a favorable environment for human activities, as well as the growth and habitation of flora and fauna. A comprehensive three-dimensional rainwater absorption system and an intelligent irrigation system establish a multi-tiered sponge city management approach. The system regulates temperature and humidity within the park, reduces the risk of flooding, and alleviates urban stormwater pressures. The 9,000-square-meter productive crop landscape not only provides nearly 18,000 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables annually but also contributes to the park’s distinctive scenic character. In the park, most of the pedestrian pathways are constructed using permeable materials to enhance rainwater infiltration and recycling, thus contributing to the sponge city concept. The paving stones are replaced with eco-friendly faux stone PC bricks to reduce the environmental impact of natural quarrying. Additionally, landscape elements such as natural stone benches and steel planting containers are made from reusable materials and follow a standardized manufacturing process, allowing them to be relocated to new areas for repurposing. Moreover, traditional hardwood flooring and benches have been substituted with renewable bamboo materials to ensure sustainable material usage throughout the design.