In Hangzhou, the Grand Canal has been a lifeline for millennia, connecting the city’s lakes and waterways with the political and economic powerhouses of Northern China. Planning in the city has the potential to create vibrant, livable environments, even as its population grows and household expenditure soars.
In 2008, city authorities collaborated with designer Roger Narboni for an ambitious project along the Grand Canal using Philips LEDs to create a new communal space for residents. In this video, Monocle talks to the designers and planners involved with the award-winning project to see how they were able to enhance natural features, rather than replace them.