TCL was commissioned to develop an urban form design for the 4 square kilometre Nanhu Ecological Town (Phase 1) and a detailed design for the main access avenue into the town for the Ziqong City Planning Bureau. The overall design theme for the site draws strongly on the concept of developing a high quality New Town based on ecologically sustainable design principles and in particular drawing on the concepts of New Urbanism / compact and self sustained neighbourhood structures. Upon completion, Nanhu Ecological Town will be a model for other cities in China to follow. It will incorporate the main commercial and financial district, sporting venues, recreational destinations and mixed-use residential neighbourhoods for Zigong City.

Nanhu Avenue is the main access road into Nanhu Ecological Town. It comprises a 1.5 kilometre long avenue containing a three lane carriageway in each direction, separated by a 50 metre wide central promenade, 4 metre wide cycle tracks on each side of the Avenue, 4 metre sidewalks and 4 metre landscaped buffer zones. The design concept has been influenced by international best practice examples including the Champs Elysees in Paris and incorporates a dramatic entrance statement, signature lighting schemes, active street frontages, water features, themed street furniture and extensive landscaping and trees, which are intended to provide a dense canopy along its length.