Masterplan for Nanjing, China' by CK designworks, nanjing, jiangsu, china. Images: CK Designworks

Conceptual design for 10 iconic buildings that will bind the high-tech precinct together will reflect the mythology of the Nanjing region based around the brilliant golden butterfly, the iconic rain-flower pebbles and the imagery created by the splash from throwing a pebble into water.

Lead architect for CK Designworks, Robert Caulfield said: "The Pukou regional government of Nanjing has the opportunity to create one of the most modern commercial developments in the world. A precinct which will inspire other governments, attract corporations from around the world and showcase China's move to develop sustainable cities.

"The vision was to create a city with a story; a story that respects the history and culture of Nanjing and at the same time projects the most modern image to the world," Mr Caulfield said.

The project has been designed on LEED (Learning, Education, Environment and Design) principles and the 10 iconic buildings that bind the high-tech development together will all achieve top LEED rating.

All the infrastructure including schools, hospitals, retail facilities, sport and entertainment complexes will be linked by an elevated an Automated Rail Transport system taking their design inspiration from the new Melbourne tram fleet.

Project Director Robert Caulfield a partner in CK Designworks said the company has an extensive track record for master planning projects in China, Vietnam and the Middle East.

Caulfield said: "We had a team of 32 designers and consultants working on the project around the clock for five months. The first thing we had to do was understand the philosophy and mythology of the region and to take extensive photos of the region including existing buildings, landmarks and topographical features because the local river and the mountain areas are extremely significant.

"CK Designworks is keen to give other Australian architects the opportunity to work in overseas markets and have proposed in the submission that an iconic 5 star hotel, as part of the first development stage for this project, could be the subject of an international design competition.

"We are also proposing to use a series of Australian made products in this project. These are likely to be finishing materials such as timber veneers and woollen fabrics, but may also include manufactured items if we can identify

suitable products."

CK Designworks will also run a design competition for architecture students to design a "gateway sculpture" as an extension of its policy to support architecture students through annual scholarships and work placements.

Aussie architectural firm riding China boom

CK Designworks, Robert Caulfield, recently gave an interview with the ABC’s Inside Business program, which can be viewed on their website.

He said: “What I would say to every architect out there at the moment if you want to expand your practice: give China a shot. The opportunity of doing large work and diversifying overseas is just unbelievable. There is far more work in China than all of the architects in Australia could possibly do.”

Images: from CK designworks via designboom

David Wheeldon

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