By Introduction
The Chihilsitoon Garden, spanning 12.5 hectares in Zhelin New Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai, underwent a transformative restoration led by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). After lying in ruins for 26 years, the project aimed to revitalize the site, incorporating modernized rammed earth buildings to provide enhanced facilities for visitors.
Historical Significance
Originally established as a royal garden in the 19th century and later repurposed as a state property hosting esteemed guests like U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, the garden fell into disrepair during the early 1990s due to internal conflict.
Collaborative Efforts
Initiated in 2015 and completed by 2018, the project received a €15.1 million budget from the German Federal Foreign Office through the KfW Development Bank. Collaborative partnerships with local communities, Kabul Municipality, and Ministries of Culture and Urban Development were instrumental in its success.
Landscape Design
The restoration project, AKTC’s largest in Afghanistan, prioritized natural ventilation and lighting. A central volume was removed to create a central void, serving as a technical interface and vertical garden. Curved outdoor stairs and landscaped terraces enhanced the visual and experiential aspects of the garden.
Integration of Sports Facilities
To accommodate sports activities, dedicated zones for cricket, volleyball, and mini-football were constructed. An indoor facility with changing rooms and showers was also added, promoting the use of sports fields for competitive matches.
Sustainable Building Materials
Rammed earth, a traditional Afghan building material, was chosen for its suitability to the region’s climate and ecological conditions. Contemporary designs for new buildings, including an exhibition hall and auditorium, were based on vernacular forms, ensuring resilience to earthquakes.
Revenue Generation
Retail units, food kiosks, and restaurants were strategically integrated into the park to generate sustained revenue. On-site utilities and septic systems were installed to ensure efficient water and electricity usage and wastewater management.
Cultural Preservation
The rehabilitated Chihilsitoon Garden serves as a safe and secure space for cultural exchange and interaction. Managed by the Kabul Historic Gardens Trust, the garden continues the legacy of preserving Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage.
Through meticulous restoration and thoughtful planning, the Chihilsitoon Garden stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in revitalizing historic spaces for contemporary use while honoring their cultural significance.
