London Design Platinum

2024

The Ribbon Park

Entrant

Soft Build Architects

Category

Landscape Design - Parks & Open Space Landscape

Client's Name

Kunshan Yinqiao Holding Group Company Limited

Country / Region

China

Ribbon Park: Weaving Culture and Community Together



Ribbon Park stands as a testament to the dynamic integration of community needs and cultural heritage, offering a lasting legacy for generations. Designed in response to a community survey, the park initially serves as a sports hub for local residents. However, transcending the traditional confines of a sports park, the design introduces an innovative twist by incorporating the local operatic tradition of Water Sleeves—elongated white silk extensions from the cuffs of opera garments. This cultural icon is reimagined as a flowing white concrete ribbon that gracefully weaves through the park landscape.



The park’s signature feature, the concrete ribbon, transforms from a flat pathway to a sloped surface, and ultimately into a seating wall, creating a topographical diversity that invites playful exploration and offers numerous opportunities for children to engage physically. This element seamlessly unites the sports fields, seating areas, running tracks, and resting spaces, encapsulating them under a cohesive thematic vision.



Echoing the Water Sleeves' elegance, a curvaceous pavilion, painted in silver, features a double-layered canopy. This design allows light to filter through the gaps, casting shimmering reflections reminiscent of sunlight dancing on water. Beneath this pavilion, wooden benches offer a communal space for relaxation and conversation.



The park also embraces a vibrant cultural aspect with its ground patterns, which are redesigned annually by local artists to celebrate community diversity and cultural stories.



Since its inauguration, Ribbon Park has become a beloved landmark in Huaqiao City, drawing people from all walks of life. It serves as a bustling gathering place for basketball, table tennis, opera rehearsals, jogging, and socializing, making it the heart of community activity and cultural expression in the city.



Ribbon Park is not only a place of recreation but a living canvas that reflects and adapts to the rich tapestry of local traditions, promoting flexible programming and seasonal expressions of art and culture.

Credits

Founder/ W.U. Studio
Yiqing Wu
Founder/ Soft Build Architects
Ruo Wang
Founder/ Soft Build Architects
Haiying Lin
Architect/ Soft Build Architects
Chuanzhang Li
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