Forest City is under construction in Liuzhou, Guangxi Province, designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti.
China – More than a million people die in China every year from air pollution. Taking action against this alarming situation, China plans to fight back by constructing a forest city in Liuzhou, Guangxi province that covers 175 hectares on the bank of the Liujiang River and will be finished by 2020.
The design of this forest city is presented by an Italian architect agency Stefano Boeri Architetti known for its environmentally focused urban designs.
Firm principal Stefano said that ‘(This is) the first experiment of the urban environment that’s really trying to find a balance with nature.’
‘The diffusion of plants, not only in the parks and gardens or along the streets, but also over building facades, will allow the energy self-sufficient city to contribute to improving the air quality,’ he added.
The futuristic city will use renewable energy for self-sufficiency and be blanketed in almost 1 million plants and 40,000 trees—a sea of greenery capable of absorbing nearly 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide and 57 tons of pollutants annually.
The 342-acre, self-contained neighborhood will comprise more than 70 buildings. The new green city in will reportedly host 30,000 people, with hospitals, schools, and fast electric rail services all part of the construction.
Each building has been designed for energy self-sufficiency, with geothermal systems providing interior air conditions and rooftop solar panels offering a renewable energy source.
Loads of plants will help to improve many aspects of the city such as air quality and pollution. It has many benefits include a lower average air temperature, improved biodiversity of plants and animals in the area, noise barriers, and an ecosystem for birds and insects.
This plan will be an example to the global community on how to build sustainable cities that help cut down on pollution while at the same time generate biodiversity and fresh oxygen.
In early 2017, another Chinese city, Nanjing, started building “forest towers” designed by Boeri. Set to be complete by 2018, they will feature offices, a 247-room luxury hotel, a museum, and an architecture school.
Key Facts of Forest City
Here are some key statistics of the Forest City:
- 10,000 tons of CO2 absorption per year
- 57 tons of pollutant absorption per year
- 900 tons of oxygen produced per year
- 30,000 inhabitants
- 40,000 trees within the city
- 1 million plants and over 100 species within the city