The world just witnessed a powerful confirmation of a futuristic idea many dismissed as “too irrational”. At the World Architecture Festival 2025 (12–14 November 2025), Turenscape clinched the prestigious “Landscape of the Year 2025” Award for its groundbreaking project “Embracing Flood: Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor”. And with that victory, the global architecture community unintentionally stamped approval on a visionary solution ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ had championed years earlier.
“Embracing Flood: Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor” by Turenscape
Back on the 18th July 2022, in our World Architects on Climate Crisis – Part V, I wrote passionately about a concept many weren’t ready to digest:
ARCHITECTURE ON STILTS https://zerobeyond.com/world-architects-on-climate-crisis-part-v/
I had emphasized then — and even more firmly believe today — that flood-prone cities across the world must urgently embrace stilt-based architecture. Basement parking, ground floors and even first floors have proven disastrous in cities ravaged by annual floods. The transformation needs to happen at “fast and furious” mode if we genuinely want to protect lives, homes, businesses, and the global economy from escalating climate catastrophes.
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It may sound wild to some — but think logically. If we can build hotels, restaurants, and luxury homes on oceans, then why shouldn’t we lift our vulnerable cities above rising waters? Elevated roads, elevated homes, elevated shops — all of it is possible. All it requires is the collective will of architects, planners, and policymakers to start shaping the “cities of the future” now, not decades from today.
Where there is a will, there is a way
Turenscape Confirms the Vision: A Proud Moment for ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’
China’s esteemed landscape architecture firm Turenscape, founded by Dr. Kongjian Yu — Laureate of the Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize — has delivered a remarkable futuristic model through its Xinjiang River Ecological Corridor. Their award-winning project is not just a triumph for China; it is a validation of zerobeyond’s long-standing call for flood-resilient, climate-savvy design solutions.
Seeing this development unfold fills me with enormous joy and contentment. It reaffirms that ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ is not just a platform — it is evolving into a global solution-provider shaping visionary paths for humanity’s better future.
The Future is here
Seoul embraced Zerobeyond’s Suggestion – Another Proof of Logical Solutions in Action
On 16th August 2022, our insights from World Architects on Climate Crisis – Part V influenced another major policy shift — this time in South Korea.
Following the deadly deluge in Seoul, the government moved swiftly to ban Banjiha (basement dwellings), where nearly 200,000 households were living in cramped, unsafe spaces.
Back in 2022, I had written clearly — and logically — that urban planners, architects, and policymakers must unite to transform today’s cities into Cities of the Future to protect our civilization from relentless climatic catastrophes. I am relieved the Seoul Metropolitan Government recognized the urgency, acting immediately to eliminate Banjiha and protect its citizens.
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The Bigger Truth: Solutions Exist — Willpower Doesn’t
I have always believed one thing passionately:
“Effective and Innovative Solutions” already exist. What’s missing is the ‘Global Will’ to implement them.”
Our planet has given us everything — from life and comfort to hardship and hope. The least we can do is protect it with the seriousness it deserves.
PLEASE NOTE: Image has been used for Representation Purpose only
Image Courtesy: Turenscape & World Architecture Festival 2025