Enhancing ecological sustainability and public wellbeing in Shanghai

Floating docks as an extension of public space

The Beijing East Road District in Shanghai faced significant urban challenges, including a lack of quality public spaces and recreational areas. Dense, unstructured traffic and limited green spaces made the district less accessible and inviting for both residents and visitors. In 2017, Energy Foundation China engaged Gehl to develop an Urban Strategy to address these issues.

Gehl’s vision for the district focused on transforming the streetscape and integrating water management into the urban design. Central to the vision is a circular ‘loop’ that connects the pedestrianized Nanjing Road with Suzhou Creek. This aimed to create a comfortable and accessible environment for both pedestrians and cyclists. ‘The Loop’ would reorganize street layouts to incorporate flex zones for bike parking, shared public spaces, new seating areas, tree plantings, and pocket parks.

Moreover, the Suzhou riverfront was envisioned as a transformative 1 km stretch of sustainable and recreational public space. Floating docks were proposed to purify the water, enhance biodiversity, and create lush green areas that cool the overall temperature. In harmony with the river, the final plan incorporated water features and play areas to foster a deeper connection between people and the river, creating an eco-friendly ‘green lung’ for the city. This project is one part of Gehl’s portfolio of work along Shanghai’s waterfront.