The Orchestra Park

  • Prize
    Jury's Favorite in Landscape Architecture - Public Landscape
  • Company/Firm
    SoBA
  • Lead Designer
    Ruo Wang, Haiyin Tang
  • Design Team
    Chuanzhang Li, Zhexuan Liao, Yiqing Wu, Yunxuan Xiao, Zihao Chen
  • Photographer Credit
    Holi
  • Location
    Suzhou, China
  • Project Date
    October 2023

The Huaqiao Economic Development Zone, situated between Jiangsu and Shanghai, spans 52.3 square kilometers and is conveniently close to key Shanghai hubs. To enhance residents' quality of life, the development of community and urban pocket parks is essential. The project site covers 12,130 square meters and is located at the intersection of two rivers, surrounded by lush plantations.

Inspired by traditional Jiangnan instruments, the park design integrates cultural heritage with the natural landscape, creating a community amusement park with diverse activities. The layout features smooth, silk and bamboo-inspired curves, a jogging track, and divides the park into a riverside green belt and a dynamic recreational area.

The riverside green belt preserves natural plantations and includes observation decks, forest paths, and interactive sound devices. The dynamic area offers a skateboard park, rock climbing, fitness park, open-air theater, bamboo forest path, and music-themed facilities. This design seamlessly blends natural beauty with functional spaces, creating a beloved and vibrant community space for all ages.