Nanjing Jiangbei CBD is the only state-level new area in Jiangsu Province. It is the strategic fulcrum of east China towards the hinterland. With the opportunity of the development of subway, the planning of underground city should focus on sustainable concept and effective operation mode. The development of underground city has gone through generations, marching towards the 4th phase, which is comprehensive urban complex.

Underground traffic system is divided into 3 levels: the 1st level is mainly for transit traffic – the tunnel across the river; the 2nd level is planned for underground transit passage and the loop for parking system to ensure the transportation of the core area. The 3rd level is used for the single entrance of the underground parking system to ensure the possibility of integrated development.

In the concept of integrated development, building a regional logistic center, warehousing and distribution integration will become the dominant trend in the future. Vehicles will be allowed to enter the underground logistic center within segmented period of time in midnight.

Qinhuai river connect the Confucius temple and Stone City graciously and form profound culture of ancient capital. Our design which is based on the Qinhuai under the city, make a 1.3 km long underground corridor form special culture space, commercial space and communication space under the city. The overall commercial axis is set beneath Dingshan Avenue, connecting to central CBD station in the north and Binjiang station in the south. Three branch axes corridor connecting the public green space with culture sites. Sunken plaza with a variety of traditional culture themes brings the natural daylight to the commercial space despite of the technical difficulties. Different from the traditional public subway passage, an integrated shared space will be directly connected to the destination while T-shape transfer system will effectively promote the development of surrounding areas to increase their value.

The flexible mode of integrated development and cooperation will create the 4th generation of underground complex and a three-dimensional Qinhuai city for the prosperity of the ancient city.

Location: Nanjing, China
Assignment type: Competition
Design Phases: Conceptual Design
Type of project: Commercial Buildings
Project duration: 2016 - 2017
Area: 480000 m²