This project is situated on Hengli Island in the Nansha New District of Guangzhou, at the confluence of the outer river connecting to the Lending Ocean and inner rivers. This unique location, where salt and fresh water meet, fosters rich biodiversity, and supports abundant vegetation and marine life. Additionally, the area lies along a migratory bird route, making it an essential habitat and energy source for migratory species.

​

Two thousand years ago, the site was part of the Lingding Ocean. However, with rapid urban development, it transformed into villages and eventually into a modern urban area. In 1993, the State Council approved the establishment of the Guangzhou Nansha Economic Development Zone, positioning the area for significant urban transformation. Construction of the broader Nansha region began in earnest in 2011, shifting the design site from a rural area to a contemporary urban hub.​ Over the past few decades, extensive development has encroached on natural water bodies, diminishing the buffer zones between urban spaces and water systems. This approach, prioritizing urban expansion over ecological integrity, has introduced numerous challenges for both current and future residents. The concrete seawalls, built to protect the urban area from flooding, have disrupted the exchange of materials within the water system, fragmenting the land-sea ecosystem and harming biodiversity.

​

In response to these challenges, this project proposes the construction of an Eco-Seawall as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete seawalls. Unlike conventional seawalls, the Eco-Seawall is designed to evolve over time, enhancing its ability to mitigate future flooding while restoring the balance between urban spaces and natural ecosystems. By reconnecting land and sea, the Eco-Seawall fosters a harmonious relationship between people and nature, promoting urban resilience, ecological restoration, and community engagement.

​

The Eco-Seawall in this project reimagines the boundary between water and city as a horizontal, nature-based buffer zone. It restores critical natural functions, including wildlife habitats, mudflats, and brackish and freshwater wetlands. In addition to its ecological benefits, this nature-based seawall serves as a recreational outdoor destination, offering opportunities for urban farming, wildlife observation, environmental education, and community exploration.