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Nick Milkovich Architects with Wilbert Bruegger and Philips Farevaag Smallenberg design unique master plan concept for Weihai
The first step in the design process was to develop a thorough understanding of the context of the Golden Thread Hill site, its history and the directions from the client regarding activities which would be most appropriate for this strategically situated site. The client’s general objectives were to develop the site as a national resort base, and as the secondary city centre of Weihai.
This proposed Golden Thread Hill Master Plan was the result of a three month competition between four international teams. The site area is 110 hectares with 52 hectares of existing land and 58 hectares of reclaimed land.
The major element of the master plan is a canal between the existing land and the reclaimed land with various bridges connecting the two areas. This provides a strong connection to the old and the new with an extensive network of water edge promenades, including walkways and harbour facilities.
The development has four major development zones: commercial zone; tourist, recreation and culture zone and residential zone, in addition to a green space zone. At the centre point of these zones is the convergence of two major activity axes. A large urban plaza has been created at the crossing of the north-south axis and the east-west axis which will be the main focal point for tourist activities. A highly visible hotel / residential tower terminates the sequence of residential buildings on the south end of the site serving as a main marker for the entire development and surrounding areas.
The massing scheme developed as two opposing large waves in the north-south direction and two opposing small scale waves in the east-west direction. The main massing strategy is the relationship of the various buildings to the water edges, maximising views to the water and the orientation of buildings towards the waterfront. Slender towers are suggested to maximise views to the waterfront from the street and walkways.
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