Environmentally Friendly Master Plan for Chongming Island by SOM

SOM was awarded first place in an international competition to develop an environmentally-fr iendly master plan for Chongming Island, a 750-square-mile island at the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghai, China.

Home to over 600,000 people, Chongming Island is the largest alluvial island in the world and comprises one of five municipal districts of Shanghai.

SOM's plan will re-position Chongming as a "green island" on the forefront of ecological planning.

The plan calls for the creation of three new cities, a transportation infrastructure and the preservation of wetlands, forests, endangered species and agriculture areas.

An intelligent transportation plan on the island will allow denser cities and consolidate growth for greater preservation of natural habitats.

A strong emphasis on eco-tourism will enable Chongming Island to position itself as a destination of choice for both Shanghai residents and international visitors.

Chongming Island will become a prime example of smart growth in action, embracing population growth and infrastructure expansion without sacrificing agriculture, wildlife or ecology.

SOM's master plan identifies eight themes around which development and ecological restoration will be organized.

The themes include habitat enhancement, organic farming, sustainable industries,