Qhongqing, located in southwestern China along the winding Yangtze River, also known as the 'mountain city.' As one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities, it serves as a significant transportation and economic hub. The city is experiencing rapid urbanization, with new construction adding approximately 137,000 m² of usable floor space daily to meet the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial space. With a focus on becoming a high-tech manufacturing hub, Chongqing is advancing through favorable economic policies, infrastructure investments, and improved connectivity, supported by the nearby Three Gorges Dam.

Challenges and Solutions
The first challenge was to preserve and enhance local nature and biodiversity by connecting the existing green spaces across the entire development as a green belt called 'The Ridge.' This large-scale feature sets the standard for sustainable city development, linking parks, green spaces, and water areas. A second layer of green infrastructure, 'The Ring,' was designed to address soft infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainability. This loop connects the project's northern and southern areas, divided by a newly constructed main road leading to Chongqing’s city center. The rolling hills and complex topography presented challenges for designing the new street network, but innovative solutions were implemented to manage the dramatic elevation changes.

Urban Development Phase 1 – Preserving and enhancing the local biodiversity:
Phase 1 of this urban development is part of the broader 'Western Science City,' a high-tech industrial development that will host tech companies and new residential areas. The project area boasts rich biodiversity, rolling hills, valleys, and a landscape shaped by its agricultural history. At this stage, it is essential to design a city that offers more than just buildings and streets by focusing on the well-being of both humans and nature—an element proven to enhance creativity and productivity. Phase 1 is a series of studies on how architecture and landscape can coexist in an urban plan, optimizing the balance between the city and nature.

Integration of Building Volumes in the Landscape
The building volumes were carefully integrated with the site's challenging natural topography. The site is divided by a road, but the introduction of the 'The Ring' unites the separated areas. The design fosters a close relationship between people and nature, with The Ridge operating on a macro level, The Ring on a neighborhood level, and Peak City and Rolling Hills Campus on a human scale. These strategies enhance each other, making the overall design stronger as they are developed together. The Ridge is enriched by its connection to The Ring, Peak City, and Rolling Hills Campus, and Phase 1 benefits from its seamless and scenic link to the broader city through The Ridge. The urban development presents a holistic, human-centered, and sustainable solution, embodying the concept that green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.