China’s Giant Panda breeding programme in Sichuan province is one of the world’s conservation success stories and attracts thousands of affluent ‘eco-tourists’ to the country.
In 2005, Halcrow won a prestigious contract to design a transformation of the giant panda breeding and research base in Sichuan province into an ecological park with improved facilities for both the pandas and visiting public.
The research base was established in 1987 to stop the decline of the protected species. The master plan replicates as far as possible the pandas’ natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. The base has bred over 90 baby pandas and has attracted publicity worldwide.
The master plan, based upon the footprint of a giant panda, defines distinct activity zones. A core area of greatest public activity is created from which then extend areas of diminishing public interaction. A clear transition is formed, extending from public leisure park and commercial activities, through panda viewing areas with controlled public access, to research areas with no public access
With the key objectives of creating an international centre for the breeding, rearing and scientific research of the giant panda whilst encouraging public access, education and recreation, the overriding design challenges were very clear - to sensitively and imaginatively integrate a number of potentially conflicting uses and users:
- to protect the welfare of the giant panda - create a safe, natural “panda friendly” environment, enhance breeding, rearing and research facilities, provide animal security and solitude, and control potentially disturbing activities
- to optimize opportunities for human interaction and understanding of the giant panda, broader environmental protection and bio diversity
- to create a leisure park for human recreation; and
- to avoid the creation of a Giant Panda “Theme Park”
In May 2006 some of Halcrow's top directors visited the panda park. At an unveiling of a plaque in the park during the visit, Halcrow announced its plans to sponsor a female panda called He Le. She was born in 1999 and is a fully mature adult panda. In August 2004, she gave birth to her first baby. The visitors were thrilled to meet the grand lady herself, as well as some of the younger inhabitants.
Benefits
Steve Pharoah said “The whole team, gained a huge sense of satisfaction and pride from our achievements on this project. The park represents a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the long term survival prospects for the Giant Panda and our understanding of this much loved animal, through sustainable planning and development.”
Innovations delivered
Through sensitive design, Halcrow delivered a master plan that provides a successful solution to the conflicting interests of public access and Giant Panda protection and breeding. The master plan design helps to attract greater numbers of people to the park to generate vital income; ensures opportunities for interaction, engagement and education; but most importantly improves the Giant Panda’s’ long-term welfare and survival prospects.