Situated in Yi County, Baoding, Hebei Province, this project responds to the development strategy of *All‑for‑Tourism, Panoramic Yizhou*. Centered on the theme of “New Scenic Spot, New Business Form, New Future”, it develops a local cultural‑industry ecological park integrating a convention‑exhibition centre, cultural market, characteristic commercial streets, folk‑custom exhibition halls, leisure clubs and cultural parks.
Built upon the theoretical foundation of the ecovillage concept, the plan combines sustainable development with the inheritance of local culture. Aligned with Yi County’s all‑for‑tourism spatial layout of “One City, Five Zones and Two Belts”, it connects surrounding scenic sites including Langya Mountain, Western Qing Tombs, Yishui Lake and Zijing Pass, forming a vital node within the regional tourism corridor.
Urban‑fabric analysis underpins form‑generation. Multiple layout patterns — quasi‑random distribution, self‑organisation, matrix arrangement and symmetrical layout — are compared to produce a master plan highly adapted to site topography and water conditions.
In terms of spatial organisation, an innovative dual system of “Necessary Places” and “Contingent Places” is introduced. It guarantees efficient operation of predefined functions while reserving flexibility for spontaneous activities and unexpected discoveries.
At the architectural level, standard shipping containers serve as basic modules. Diverse spatial combinations such as containment, attachment, platform and overlay are developed to reconcile modular construction with diverse spatial experiences. The project acts as a demonstration initiative for regional investment promotion, industrial‑structure optimisation and the improvement of Yi County’s urban image.
Drawing on the ecovillage theory proposed by Danish scholar Robert Gilman, principles including “human‑scale fully‑functional settlement”, “community equity” and “circular utilisation of energy and materials” are translated into tangible spatial and functional strategies. The park is developed through the integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies, representing localised practice of sustainable development and appropriate‑technology theories for rural revitalisation.
Systematic extraction and experimental research are conducted on the urban fabric of indigenous traditional settlements. Five fabric‑generation patterns are proposed: quasi‑random, self‑organised, matrix, symmetrical and expansive layouts. Combined with terrain and water bodies, these patterns generate a master layout well‑adapted to site conditions. Typological and morphological methods are adopted to create new spatial order while continuing regional cultural context.
Functions such as hotel‑office facilities, performance venues, commerce and cultural parks are divided into two systems: *Necessary Places* for predefined programmes and *Contingent Places* for spontaneous activities. It echoes the theory of “event‑patterns corresponding to spatial‑patterns” from *A Pattern Language*. Spatial design serves not only predefined programmes but also reserves potentials for “unanticipated life events”.
Standard 20GP and 40GP shipping containers act as basic building components. Multiple spatial combinatorial modes including containment, attachment, platform, overlay and interconnection are developed. Clear functional zoning separates commercial exhibition on the ground floor from leisure and entertainment on the upper floor. Standardised units accommodate diverse demands, cutting construction costs and lead‑time, and delivering distinctive spatial experiences with industrial‑aesthetic characteristics.
Regional global port stronghold, Kuwait Smart Center and Future Living District
Floating cultural landmark; a migratory, breathing aquatic public‑art city shaped by tides.
Diamond‑narrated Ultra‑light Membrane Dome: an urban lively hub woven by light and pedestrian flows.
Leveraging mountain trails to connect bee‑themed exhibition nodes, it creates a linear cultural‑tourism corridor for biodiversity conservation.