The Nanjing Park Precinct Ecological Design project reflects a forward-thinking approach to integrating ecology into urban planning. Over an 18-month period, EcoFutures led the development of a method that moves beyond traditional species identification, to take into account broader ecological patterns, functions, and processes at the landscape scale. This approach began with a detailed analysis of habitats, species, and ecological functions within the site, which was then contextualised within the surrounding regional biotypes and potential ecological corridors.

Recognising the importance of landscape heterogeneity, which is known as variations in environmental conditions and urban form, our team mapped how these variations shaped ecological and human communities. From this, four key ecological principles were developed and embedded into the precinct design in collaboration with the landscape architecture firm Hassell Studios.

The resulting design enhances the site’s natural character and ensures that the park contributes meaningfully to the region’s ecological networks and processes. By blending ecological thinking into every stage of planning and design, we demonstrated how urban spaces can actively support biodiversity and long-term ecological resilience.