Zhoukou, China
The Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park harnesses the site’s natural topology to create a water-resilient “sponge city” landscape. It alleviates flooding risks in this ancient Henan Province city, purifies contaminated waters from Dragon Lake and urban runoff, and features crater-shaped islands as multifunctional spaces. Inspired by ancient Chinese cosmological symbols and Fuxi’s Eight Trigrams (Bagua), these elements weave a pattern language blending ecological sustainability, cultural narratives, and community engagement across 43 reclaimed hectares.
Sponge Synergy by Turenscape, won an 2025 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Located in Huaiyang, the site traces back 6,500 years to Fuxi, China’s mythical first emperor and Bagua inventor, whose philosophy shaped thought. Historically resilient against Yellow River floods, Dragon Lake’s balance has been eroded by urban expansion, reducing flood capacity and heritage integrity. The park responds by enhancing resilience, fulfilling community needs, and celebrating this tapestry.
Key design strategies innovate across challenges. A sponge landscape recycles 860,000 cubic meters of on-site earth into vegetated islands regulating 1 million cubic meters of stormwater, echoing celestial maps and Fuxi’s Bagua for cosmic homage. Among verdant isles, 27 themed craters host playgrounds, amphitheaters, basketball courts, water gardens, fountains, and art installations, offering interactive experiences—transforming into winter skiing and skating arenas.
An expansive boardwalk network connects these “celestial” islands via tunnels and gates, providing safe, enchanting paths with regulated shallow waters eliminating handrail needs. A bio-wetland purification system treats lake and runoff, processing 11,500 tons daily before lake reintroduction, integrated with islands and paths, and powered by rooftop solar panels. Native poplar and willow trees, drawn from the 2,000-year-old “Book of Songs: Chen Feng,” dominate, forging living ties to folklore and nature.
This project bridges environmental solutions, social vitality, and cultural dialogue, uniting past, present, and future in a dynamic landscape.
Architects: Turenscape
Design Team: Yu Kongjian, Wu Xiaodan, Jia Jianmin, Fang Yuan, Zong Jian, Yan Linlin, Ma Shuangzhi, Li Jie, Zhang Hanjun, Liu Bingzhuo, Kong Hailong,Tong Hui, Lu Ang, Wang Lei, Sanya, and Lei Chunxia
General Contractor: Zhoukou Huaiyang Housing and Urban Rural Development Bureau
Client: Zhoukou Huaiyang Housing and Urban Rural Development Bureau
Photographers: Turenscape
