As a flagship development in CR Land’s Jianghe No. 1 series for 2025, CR Land Heart of Bund explores the question of how architecture can coexist with the river through its master planning, large-scale community design, residential innovation, and architectural expression. Comprising both the development’s external urban frontage and its central courtyard, the demonstration area offers a first glimpse of the future identity of the larger development and the everyday life it seeks to foster.

As a new interpretation of GOA’s “Vibrant Community” strategy, the design establishes an 860-meter-long urban frontage, creating a dynamic commercial and lifestyle precinct defined by articulated building edges and the integration of natural elements. A continuous colonnade unifies the streetscape, establishing a coherent architectural identity across the northern and southern plots. The first completed and operational element is the Café de Flore, situated at a prominent urban corner. As a key node within the precinct, the café’s distinctive French-inspired character introduces a touch of romance to the larger development.

At the heart of the demonstration area, the central courtyard introduces a sloping forest landscape into the urban setting. Spanning approximately 3,500 square meters, the sunken, multi-level woodland is seamlessly connected to the surrounding ground plane through gently sloping terrain. Expansive, double-height open ground floors accommodate a full range of clubhouse facilities, creating a layered forest environment with a 13-meter change in level. Spaces for fitness, wellness, reading, and social interaction are distributed among the treetops, woodland, and water features, weaving together a richly programmed landscape of interconnected garden islands for residents of all ages.

The architectural language draws inspiration from river sails, translating their imagery into building forms and material expression. The clubhouse and open ground floors feature German beige stone and Venato limestone, while the colonnade combines Art Deco influences with classical proportions. Elegant, soaring lines frame a sequence of layered spaces at varying heights. With river sails shaping the architecture and the forest landscape forming its setting, a new vision of waterfront living unfolds.