Huajia, China – Conceptual Eco City

One of the largest and most visionary projects undertaken by Best & Associates was the master planning of a new city in Huajia, China. Envisioned as the world’s first Eco City, the development was designed to demonstrate how sustainable infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and modern urban living could exist in harmony.

A defining feature of the master plan was the relocation of all automobile traffic underground, creating a pedestrian-focused community with expansive parks, greenways, and open spaces above ground. At the heart of the city, an existing lake would be reshaped to serve as both a scenic centerpiece and a vital component of the city’s integrated water and wastewater treatment system. Encircling the lake, an 18-hole championship golf course designed in the form of two dragons would provide natural riparian zones while enhancing the beauty and ecological function of the landscape.

Planned to accommodate approximately 100,000 residents, the Eco City would include a complete mix of residential neighborhoods, retail districts, and educational facilities ranging from kindergarten through college. The master plan also emphasized economic sustainability by incorporating employment centers, a regional shopping mall, a traditional farmers market, and commercial spaces that would allow residents to live and work within the community.

Food production and recreation were also central to the vision. An aquaponics farm would supply locally grown fish and vegetables, supporting a more self-sufficient community. The lakefront would feature boat slips and rental boathouses, while plans for a future amusement park would expand recreational opportunities and create additional employment for residents.

The significance of the project was demonstrated when eight delegates from China traveled to Maryville, Tennessee, to meet with Best & Associates and review the firm’s presentation of the Eco City master plan. Their visit reflected the international collaboration and forward-thinking vision behind one of the firm’s most ambitious designs.