Improving the quality of cities in China is integral to enhance the appeal of its market and meet the growing needs of businesses. China’s district planning offices have realized the importance of connecting regional business communities and thus in Tianjin, north-east China, a new eco-city has been designed to help unite two districts. ARCADIS subsidiary RTKL provided the planning and design for the new 60-square mile eco-city that links Tianjin’s Central Business District with the rapidly growing Binhai New District.

The eco-city, Tanggu West New City, is rooted in the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) concept and provides a framework for residential development that is both ecologically responsible and economically viable. The eco-city’s master plan focuses on three aspects of development: residential, environmental and transit.

The city’s residential components take advantage of surrounding resources to create a vibrant urban experience that supports active and healthy living. The plan also incorporates natural resources, such as rivers, lakes and swamps, into the texture of the city to create an eco-corridor system with better integration of green and urban space. By focusing on transit-oriented development, Tanggu West New City offers diverse, safe and comfortable travel modes that improve the connection between Tianjin and regional cities and reduce dependence on motor vehicles. This delicate balance of economy and ecology will not only attract and retain the region’s top talent but also support the continued growth of the two urban centers.