Sino Swedish Eco City

A Swedish-Chinese green city
Sino Swedish Eco City
Urban Development
Plan & programs
Client: Wuxi Municipal Peoples Government
Location: Taihu New Town, Wuxi, Kina
Years of commission: 2009–2010
Project type: Urban construction
Collaborative partners: ÅF
Areas of expertise: Urban construction, 3D

At the end of 2009, we won the contract to design a 2.4 km² area in Wuxi, a city of five million residents west of Shanghai. The task also included a detailed study of a 30-hectare focus area, developed from our perspective on sustainable urban planning, Sino-Swedish Eco City.

Hammarby Sjöstad is the example

Sino Swedish Eco City is, just as the name says, a city construction project in partnership between Sweden and China. The focus of the green city concept is on sustainability and environmental compatibility using Hammarby Sjöstad amongst others as an example. In addition to urban planning and studies of the focus area, our task also included the development of an environmental program with guidelines for the energy consumption, waste management, water management, traffic environment, landscape design and environmentally friendly construction – everything that forms part of an integrated system focus.

Sino Swedish Eco City
Illustration: Tengbom

To bring the plan to life, delegates from Government Offices, the Swedish Trade Council, Wuxi City, and the Municipality of Södertälje formed a working group. They identify Swedish clean-tech companies and select the best solutions for the district. KTH Energy Technology and the Energy Agency work alongside the Government to promote Swedish environmental technology. They have created two tools that focus on holistic systems, innovation, and ambitious energy and climate targets.

Sino Swedish Eco City
Illustration: Tengbom

Award-winning project

In 2011, we won one of the most prestigious architecture awards for our work on Sino-Swedish Eco City. The project received the MIPIM Future Project Award in the category Big Urban Masterplan. The following year, it was selected for the Sustainia100 list, which highlights 100 ideas for sustainable development. The list serves as inspiration for decision-makers and changemakers. It presents a clear vision and model for building a sustainable future together.

Through partnerships like these, we get the opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainable urban construction on a global level, which is both exciting and incredibly important.

Sino Swedish Eco City
Illustration: Tengbom

The Swedish model in Asia

Urbanisation in Asia is accelerating, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Developing new areas requires a strong focus on environmental impact. With experience from projects like Hammarby Sjöstad, we share insights on sustainable city development. Sino-Swedish Eco City is one example where this knowledge comes into play. Swedish design and architectural tradition is often linked to functionalism, holism and sustainability. This makes it an important part of the conversation. Partnerships like these allow us to engage in global discussions on sustainable urban development. It’s an exciting exchange, but more importantly, a necessary one.

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

+46 8 412 53 43