chengtoushan archaeological park wins landscape of the year at WAF 2017

located in a remote and poor rural region in chengtoushan, china, the chengtoushan archaeological park has been awarded ‘landscape of the year’ at the 2017 world architecture festival. designed by turenscape, the project has resulted in the protection of the integrity and authenticity of the ancient heritage of the land as well as developing it into a valuable tourist attraction. the once obscured archeological site is now an educational, playful and productive asset which aims to benefit the local community.

the chengtoushan archaeological park landscape project was designed by turenscape

the judges felt that this project reflected a hopeful and creative mixture of archaeological history, rice production and tourism. the landscape project is based around a live 6,500 year-old archaeological site which has been protected by the local government of this rural province. the judges were impressed with the ‘productive engagement between visitors and farmers who are able to maintain their traditional livelihoods.’

located in chengtoushan, china, the place where rica was first found cultivated

accidentally discovered in 1979, chengtoushan holds the earliest city in china, as well as the place where rice was first found cultivated. in order to protect and transform the landscape, the archaeological site was maintained with minimal changes, except for a pedestrian route. this one enables visitors to walk and interpret the environment. the route includes a glass bridge that lifts sightseers 4 meters above the ground, giving full views of the northern part of the archeological site. additionally, diverse wetland plants and patches of trees were implemented aiding the ecological recovery. 

a glass bridge lifts visitors 4 meters above the ground

‘unknown in a remote region for decades, the protected archeological site has suddenly heightened awareness, and tourists from nearby cities are attracted to visit the site to learn about their ancient ancestors and the origin of the food they eat every day,’ comments turenspace. ‘meanwhile, this poor rural region and particularly the neighborhood has gained significant economic benefits through the development of tourism.’

pedestrian routes were installed without affecting the environment

the project has resulted in an educational, playful and productive asset which aims to benefit the local community

visitors enjoying their visit

the project protects the integrity and authenticity of the envinronment

project information:

project name: chengtoushan archaeological park

project location: china changde city, hunan province
project classify: landscape
project scale: 20ha
design time: janurary 2015
build time: janurary 2016
designed by: turenscape

world architecture festival (WAF) is the largest, annual, international, live architectural event. it includes the biggest architectural awards programme in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence via live presentations to an audience of high-profile delegates and international juries. WAF is a three-day event for architects and interior design professionals to celebrate, learn, exchange, and be inspired. the 2017 world architecture festival comprises 5 key elements: the WAF awards; a thematic conference programme; an exhibition of award entries; sponsor and exhibitor stands; a series of networking/social events, as well as WAF fringe activities. INSIDE world festival of interiors runs alongside WAF, with its own awards and conference programme.