The city of Nanjing will host the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. The local government decided to revitalize the banks of the River Yangtze, which incorporates some of China's most important historical, ecological and social landmarks. The project is part of a major masterplan to both consolidate and celebrate these aspects within the overall riverside corridor. Atkins was assigned to produce a landscape masterplan for the development of 30 km of prime waterfront in the city. The scope of work includes landscape design, urban planning and tourism consultancy.
     The masterplan will provide connectivity and access along its length addressing of industrial sites and urban dereliction as well as linking with recent new developments and existing open space. Atkins will also oversee the detailed landscape design and construction over the next two years.
     Mark Kang, Atkins' project director, said: "A successful landscape must work for all elements; the local culture, the ecology, the people and the businesses that will become part of its fabric. For this project, this was particularly relevant. Due to the layering of the different development phases in Nanjing's history, the waterfront appears non-homogeneous and fragmented. We drew our inspiration from the local silk industry which produces brocade known as Nanjing Yunjin, a series of weaving patterns using a consistent palette of colour threads. The masterplan calls for a coherent design language while highlighting city heritage and fulfilling the needs of contemporary urban living and recreational activities."
     Covering an area of 11 sq km, the design incorporates seven landscape and activity zones which interconnect yet remain distinctive. The zones feature tourism, leisure, commercial facilities and incorporate natural landscape highlights. Not only will the improvements provide better access to these key features, especially for the visitors to the Games but will provide a lasting legacy celebrating the heritage on Nanjing along its waterfront.