The Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) plan for the expansion of Beijing’s Central Business District is an award-winning project. According to SOM, the plan would require the creation of three unique districts and would include new public transit systems. The proposal also calls for eco, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets.
The buildings are designed to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as landfill waste and CO2 emissions. The reduction of harmful greenhouse gases from their environmentally-friendly building designs alone would eliminate enough CO2 in a year to equal the production of 14 million adult trees. The proposal promotes a cultural shift towards healthier energy consumption. This of course is essential for China, and all of us, as climate change and the need for sustainable living become more prevalent issues.
Deservingly, the project was awarded AIA’s Regional and Urban Design Award of 2011.
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