Where the River Runs - Penda

Where The River Runs was constructed in 2015, located in Beijing, China. This project is almost 1500 sqm and won the international competition organised for the 10th China International Garden Expo, of which the main theme was “Eco-Expo – Green Life”

The concept of the project was to deliver the message that clean water is important for the environment ad healthy life. The path design in the site is inspired by a winding river, relating to biomimicry. The path is also surrounded by grasses ad wildflowers, which make the site sustainable and appear visually soft at eye level. The project was focused around the true meaning of Sustainability; a word which Penda believe should be more than just a 'buzz word'. The entire garden acts as a rain garden, meaning that it is a functional as well as practical space. 

The curved and organic shape of the grass covered island help to blend the soft and hard landscape together. Overtime, as the grasses and flowers become more established, the contrast between these two elements will become less harsh and the natural, flowing, river like journey will flourish. The light grey/white paving helps the lush green  vegetation colours to 'pop' out and be prioritised while viewing. The garden has covered areas, open areas as well and raised mounds that you can walk over. This diversity and freedom of routes make this a dynamic and playful space, which is suitable for all weather conditions. 

https://land8.com/omg-after-having-experienced-where-the-river-runs-by-penda-you-will-never-see-the-world-in-the-same-way-again/