On August 23, 2005, Shanghai Chongming Dongtan Investment and Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Industrial Group, signed an agreement with Arup, a famous British consulting company, to entrust Arup as a consultant for the development of Chongming Dongtan Ecological New City System Planning Project.
Chongming Island is the third largest island in China and the only county-level administrative region in Shanghai. Because the island has always paid attention to the development of agriculture, its natural resources have been well protected. Chongming also has a large area of natural wetlands, which is known as the "green kidney" of Shanghai and is an extremely valuable ecosystem. The Chongming Dongtan plot, which Arup undertook the overall design, development and construction scheme consultation, has a total area of 86 square kilometers, which is equivalent to three and a half Macao, and is larger than Manhattan in new york (this is probably the main reason why British newspapers call it "Manhattan in China"), among which high-quality wetlands account for one fifth of the total area.
According to the agreement, Arup will undertake the overall planning and design of the first phase of Dongtan development in the east of Chongming Island. It is reported that Chongming Dongtan is expected to be fully constructed in about 15 years, and the Dongtan project will take shape when the Shanghai World Expo is held in 20 10. As an ecological symbol city, it will become another highlight of Shanghai.
According to Shanghai Chongming Dongtan Investment Development Co., Ltd., Chongming's position as an ecological demonstration zone has been very clear, and it also has unique resources and conditions. In the process of Dongtan development, we must create a brand-new model, instead of taking the old road of developing development zones and sacrificing resources to obtain economic benefits, which should be highly consistent with the spirit of building a conservation-oriented society. Experts pointed out that in the construction planning of Dongtan, we should not only use renewable and clean energy such as wind energy and solar energy as much as possible, but also make great efforts to protect wetlands. The comprehensive development and construction of Chongming Dongtan, adhering to the overall goal of sustainable development and ecological development, will help China to accumulate experience in regional environmental protection and development.
Dong Shanfeng, senior architect of Arup (Shanghai) Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd., said that Arup is a global consulting company, and its business covers many aspects such as architecture, engineering, transportation and operation. Dongtan Company chose Arup to build an ecological China town in Chongming Dongtan, and he felt very honored. According to reports, Peter Head, director of Dongtan Project, is the main person in charge of architectural design for London's bid to host the 20 12 Olympic Games, and enjoys a high reputation in the industry. In addition, Arup will also carry out multi-level cooperation with a number of professional design institutes with Grade A qualifications to jointly design and plan the Dongtan project.