The name Grontmij is starting to spread like fire in China. On the recommendation of the planning office in Shanghai, a former client, Grontmij is now preparing a conceptual planning design for a district of Nanjing, a city located a few hundred kilometres northwest of Shanghai. Grontmij and five other parties were selected from some 100 national and international companies.
An integral approach – here lies the key difference between Grontmij’s approach and that of the Chinese. The Chinese generally fill in compartments of land delimited by the roads structure. One for houses, another for office buildings, another for shops, etc. Grontmij’s approach ensures that everything blends together to form a pleasant living environment, while paying attention to the functions of a city. The beautiful setting also offers many possibilities. As the Yangtze River runs along this part of town, Grontmij is aiming to include it in the design.
Short lines
Grontmij is cooperating in this project with design consultancy Teun Koolhaas Associates of Almere. A Chinese partner is also involved, the Guangzhou Urban Planning Design & Research Institute; this involvement is necessary to allow us to continue working commercially in China and to maintain the so-called Â'short lines’ to the client. The design will be completed by the end of May.
(source> Grontmij)
