Xiu Lake, Shenyang

Xiu Lake is located in the historic area north of Shenyang in the province of Liaoning. It is a reservoir situated in between the mountains where all the drinking water for the city is collected. Some little villages and hotels are located around the lake. There are numerous temples, gardens and artificial islands within the lake. Xiu Lake is not only famous for its picturesque landscape but it is also associated with lots of stories that are embracing many aspects of the Chinese culture. In addition many ancient buildings in the surrounding areas are amongst the most important national treasures of China, with a significant artistic value. A wooden path of 18 km in length is designed to stimulate tourism here. The design perceives Xiu Lake as a necklace. The chain is a metaphor for the path which embraces the magnificent and precious landscape along the water edge. It is connected by the pearls which are the special places. A soft intervention was made in order to conserve the natural beauty; a wooden path with engraved signs and historical stories of the location. The path runs through the natural forest and along the water and always offers a view on the lake. Sometimes it is splitting, sometimes it creates enclosed spaces dedicated to bird watching, sometimes there is a wooden deck on the water or simply a resting point to sit and admire the landscape.

1. road   2. path (chain)   3. special places (pearls)   4. concept (pearl necklace) 

location: Shenyang, China

design: 2011 client: Niek Roozen bv, Government Shenyang

in collaboration with: Niek Roozen bv