XIAOXITA FOREST PARK

The Yichang Xiaoxita Forest Park renovation project confronted pedestrian-vehicle flows, an abandoned pump house at the entrance, and steep terrain. Guided by the rigid constraint of ecological priority, we demolished all gray infrastructure, including it, and preserved 100% of the native trees. Our design embraced the philosophy of “Touching the Earth Lightly.” Abandoned structures were removed and the ground restored as ecological lawns. Paths were carefully rerouted to wind around existing trees. The mountain gate was built from locally sourced crushed stone. On the hillside, we inserted elevated cantilevered “floating platforms” and “birdhouse” lighting, turning former gray scars into green windows. After renovation, the park now serves over 2,000 visitors daily, offering all-age-friendly forest recreation. It stands as a practical model of light-touch intervention in highly ecologically sensitive areas, demonstrating how minimal design can revitalize urban forests.