Project Name: Landscape Design for Boao Forum for Asia International Convention Center and Sofitel Boao
Location: Dongyu Island, Boao, Hainan
Client: COSCO Salim Group Co., Ltd.
Project Size: Site Area 69.32 ha, Landscape Area 15 ha
Completion: 2001/2003

This project is the largest architectural complex on Dongyu Island. The Convention Center and Hotel project is the heart of the Boao Forum for Asia. The landscape design integrates new planting into the existing lush tropical natural scenery helping fashion this into a high-end resort landscape. The project elements include a conference center, lodging, entertainment venues, shopping district, and tourist facilities. Chinese traditional landscape elements provide a soothing contrast to the modern architecture of the Asia Forum complex. The design fully respects the natural environment by introducing an ambitiously conceived nature reserve that protects the ecologically unique and sensitive coastal zone vegetation. The planting plan uses tropical plants as the landscape motif.
The entrance feature includes waterfalls framed by special hardscape design elements at the terminus of the main island road. The sound of splashing water and the fluttering of the flags of twenty-three nations provide visitors with a welcoming and inviting arrival experience. The shrubs and flowers planted in the 20-meter wide landscaped area add quiet dignity to front of the convention center. Surrounding the center, arbors provide shade, soften the effects of the building mass, and effectively screen elements of the nearby environment. The lobby on the second floor of the hotel leads guests to dramatic views of the landscape. The hotel is surrounded by an intricate system of pools, lagoons, waterfalls, lily ponds, and tidal bays that are visually seamless, creating inspiring views.