SoBA has consistently focused on the ecological natural environment and urban infrastructure, exploring in our design practice how architecture and landscape can collaboratively shape a coherent urban structure, preserve the urban fabric, and enhance the spatial experience of the environment as a medium for urban spaces of varying scales.

A Natural Forest in a High-Density Urban Area
The Huaxiao Silk Bamboo Skatepark is located just north of Business Avenue, south of Metro Line 11, and east of Xugongqiao Road in the Huaqiao Economic Development Zone of Kunshan, Jiangsu. Covering an area of 12,130 square meters, the park sits between two high-density residential communities, Xugongqiao Garden Phase III and Shanghai Yu Garden, and lies at the confluence of two rivers. The riverbanks are lined with mature camphor and dawn redwood trees, while the surrounding wetlands remain largely undisturbed, preserving the area’s natural landscape.
After several discussions, we identified three key needs with the client: First, the local community requires a non-professional skateboarding area. Second, the client wants to preserve the existing natural woodland on the site. Lastly, the area is in urgent need of park amenities, such as restrooms and sanitation facilities.
The central challenge of this project is how to seamlessly integrate the natural environment with these needs to create a fully functional, modern pocket park that serves all age groups, helping to alleviate the community’s lack of recreational spaces. By maximizing the preservation of the natural ecosystem and incorporating local cultural elements, our goal is to create a livable green space that meets the diverse needs of residents while providing a rich natural experience—a green oasis and social hub in the heart of the neighborhood.

Originating in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, the Huaxiao Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music tradition centers around the bamboo flute and erhu as the main instruments, accompanied by the pipa, yangqin, and small sanxian. Known for its graceful, flowing melodies, this music is characterized by its small, elegant, refined, and light style. In 2007, it was recognized as part of Kunshan's first batch of intangible cultural heritage.
The design of this project is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music. Drawing from its beautiful melodies and delicate rhythms, we created a park space with a sense of rhythm through smooth lines and natural forms. Curves inspired by the instruments of Silk and Bamboo music are woven into the layout and landscape design, making the park not only a place for recreation and leisure but also a three-dimensional embodiment of Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music. It offers residents a dual experience of nature and culture.

Preserving Natural Texture and Merging with Silk and Bamboo Forms

We fully respect the existing conditions of the site, aiming to preserve the natural woodland and the undulating terrain to the greatest extent. The overall layout is structured around the symbolic forms of silk and bamboo, with a circular jogging path running through the entire park, connecting Xugongqiao Road and the two adjacent residential communities to the north and south. This path also divides the park into two main areas: a riverside greenbelt and a vibrant recreational zone.

Natural Beauty and Interactive Experience
The design of the riverside greenbelt fully respects the natural conditions, preserving the existing woodland and vegetation as much as possible. We adopted a minimal intervention approach, incorporating a waterside viewing platform along the riverbank. Under the canopy of the natural woodland, we created winding exploration paths with playful sound-interactive installations placed along the way, enhancing the visitor's experience.

The riverside greenbelt seamlessly integrates the natural woodland, planting design, and functional spaces, creating a park environment with rich layers, a balanced mix of open and dense areas, distinct seasonal changes, and a clear thematic focus. This design provides residents with a lush, green space for relaxation and offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

Diverse Activities and Community Interaction

The vibrant recreational area leverages the site's natural topography, creatively transforming the two-dimensional outlines of Jiangnan silk and bamboo instruments into an abstract three-dimensional spatial experience. This area connects a series of unique interactive facilities, including a skatepark, climbing area, fitness playground, open-air theater, bamboo grove pathways, musical fountain plaza, and a small music classroom. Each of these spaces attracts residents of different age groups, inviting them to explore and engage with the environment.

In the skatepark, children ride the wind as they glide along; on the climbing walls, the brave challenge themselves; in the fitness playground, people are full of energy, sweating and pushing their limits. As evening falls, the open-air theater lights up brilliantly, the bamboo grove pathways offer a peaceful retreat, and the musical fountain plaza and small classroom provide music lovers with the perfect space to showcase their talents. Whether in sunshine or rain, through the changing seasons, this vibrant recreational area continually brings joy to the community, becoming a warm and unique neighborhood park in the lives of its residents.
A New Hub of Energy for All Ages in the Community
Built around the symbolic framework of silk and bamboo, the Orchestra Park seamlessly integrates diverse activities into its design while preserving and celebrating the local cultural heritage of Huaqiao. This new community park offers spaces for viewing, leisure, and exploration. Since its completion, the park has been a beloved destination for local residents, with a steady stream of visitors. The wide variety of activities caters to all age groups, making the park both a natural retreat and a vibrant gathering place for the community.