Massive open spaces for social distancing, drone deliveries, greenhouses and more – Take a look inside China’s COVID-proof city which is stylish and high-tech


We are all accustomed to living in a pandemic-stricken world but will we ever be ready for it if it strikes again? God forbid that ever happens but Guallart Architects have already designed post-COVID housing for a new city in China clearly making the point that prevention is better than cure. This is a ‘self-sufficient city’ will be built on the outskirts of Beijing in the form of apartment blocks that allow residents to live in style during lockdowns. Not just residences, the four-block structure will include everything from offices, swimming pools, shops, food markets, a kindergarten, administrative centers, and a fire station so no one feels the need to leave for anything. Keeping the self-sufficient angle in mind, each building will be covered by greenhouses that will allow for the daily harvest of produce, enclosed beneath sloping roofs that collect solar energy. Let’s explore the project that won the residential and community category in a competition to design new urban typologies for Xiong’an New Area, which was run by the local government.

Also read -  Chinese man sues his friend for accidentally selling his $1.4 million video game character for only $500


China’s COVID-proof, smart city called Xiong’an is four Chinese style housing towers combined with a courtyard-style city square interspersed with greenhouses. It is built on the outskirts of Beijing.


The apartments feature a large south-facing terrace that catches enough sunlight to help regulate the homes’ temperature and also provide open spaces in case of another lockdown. Each apartment comes with its own bird-box.


Huge communal areas are made keeping in mind social distancing norms. The co-working spaces are provided with 3D printers and rapid prototyping machines to make replacements for missing or broken items in the event of supply chain disruption.

Also read -  Infuriated when requested to wear a mask - A petty Chinese millionaire withdrew ¥5million and in retaliation ordered the bank staff to count all of it and drove off with bags full of cash in his Rolls Royce.


Certain open spaces and terraces are dubbed ‘drone-friendly’ for vital deliveries to be made in case of emergencies.


Greenhouses cover almost all buildings; food and the daily harvest of produce come from greenhouses beneath sloping roofs that collect solar energy. It is entirely self-sufficient in the event of a full lockdown. a mix of hydroponic farming and LED grow-light systems opens the door for indoor farming.


Different apartment layouts can accommodate couples with or without one or two children. The structures are made from cross-laminated timber, as wood is a renewable resource.


The self-sufficient city model includes shops, a food market, as well as a kindergarten, swimming pool, and fire station.


The units will offer ‘telework’ spaces, creating social networks at a neighborhood-scale for the exchange of resources.

[Via: Dezeen]

Tags from the story
,