KuiperCompagnons awarded Second prize for Duke Town international competition in Kunshan, China

In a very close call, KuiperCompagnons was awarded second prize for the international urban design competition in Kunshan, Jiangsu, China.

Duke Town is a 6 square kilometer km2 zone located on the West of Kunshan city.

In recent years, an increasing number of knowledge based institutions, have been established in the region, such as the USA based Duke university, Kunshan Technical Park and Qinghua Science Park.

The new plan for Duke Town aims to further stimulate the development of a high-tech and R&D cluster to this area, creating a world class ‘feature town’, which will attract investors, companies and talent. As key part of Yangchenghu Science & Technology Park, Duke Town will play an important role for the future high tech industry development for Kunshan city.

The Duke Town international urban design competition was organized by Kunshan Urban Planning Bureau and five international companies and/or consortia from The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and China participated.

KuiperCompagnons teamed up with the Jiangsu Institute of Urban & Rural Planning and Design.

Utilizing and enhancing existing green and blue landscape features, the design is strongly embedded in its context. The resulting green and blue network serves as the basis of a campus like structure, the public space backbone where people can meet and exchange ideas.

At the same time this public space network facilitates the implementation of Sponge city principles.

Lastly, by specific programming and targeted mixed use along the central lake boulevard, a vibrant and attractive public heart for the whole area is created, making it a place where business, education and tourism meet and mingle.

On a recent note: As a direct result of this competition KuiperCompagnons was invited for competition on the South side extension.