The Post Shanghai Expo Project is characterised by the following excellent qualities:

Too often post-Expo sites are left as reminders of abandoned ambitions. This project refuses to let the low carbon strategy approach; instead, it actually updates/enhances its sustainability credentials. The Project is very innovative and uses the latest technology, caring all aspects of public participation, making it a perfect tailor made solution for the area. The just use of existing buildings with minor retrofitting, use of renewable energies, provision of urban woodlands and perfect combination of different activities have given it an identity of its own. Lastly, it is a practice with high level of transferability.

The project demonstrates, at a neighborhood scale, an evolving model of planning practice: transforming the city by means of an urban redevelopment plan that is implemented based on a low carbon and ecological planning framework. The Project has very recently been accredited by the United State Green Building Council (USGBC) for the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Neighborhood Development (LEED – ND) Programme at ‘Platinum’ level. Out of the currently accredited 100 LEED ND projects globally, this is the first Platinum accreditation outside of North America.  The integrated sustainable and low carbon development strategies of the Project are recognized by the USGBC as leading example in sustainable neighborhood development internationally (Figure 15). Further details of this accreditation can be seen at:www.arup.com/Projects/Shanghai_Expo_UBPA_redevelopment.aspx

The Changxing Dao Master Plan provided the ideal framework to create a sustainable urban environment that is human-scaled, livable, market viable, and implementable. Introducing water as central element in the city’s lay out promotes a holistic approach to development, which seeks to balance ecology, connectivity, and place making in ways, which will create mutually beneficial outcomes.

The third place was consigned to the project Lisbon Atlantic Capital of Europe, a project delivered by Lisbon City Hall.

Points of excellence are:

The objectives of the Plan are very ambitious and socially appreciable i.e. to attract more people, more business, more jobs, sustainability, mobility, environmental efficiency and returning to the local people their lost right to enjoy the river front etc.. The Plan and the situation cope with each other very well and in an appreciable manner. The Master Plan of Lisbon has focused on reuse, rehabilitation and regeneration of areas and raising the quality of life of people with citizens’ participation. This plan offers an effective blueprint for policy adjustments to promote redevelopment in Europe’s low-growth cities. While not “cutting edge” the humane quality of this submission and its policy approach is evident and is a lesson to be taken into account.