Richmond shines as River Green opens first phase
Jim Cheng-designed mixed use community infuses city with a new urbanity
RiverGreen, Richmond, B.C., designed by architect Jim Cheng. This is only the first phase of a larger mixed-use project that Richmond councillors hope will help extend the city centre to the river’s edge, and encourage a high-density community they hope will grow to more than 100,000.
River Green is almost completely sold out – with $300-million worth of sales to date.Jim Cheng
Architect Jim Cheng says the reason the project has been successful, is that it hasn’t catered to “some developer’s idea of exporting ‘Chinese’ values to Vancouver.” Asian buyers, says Mr. Cheng, don’t want “gaudy, neo-classical villas” like the ones that proliferate in the better suburbs of Shanghai and Beijing, but rather “Vancouverist values and lifestyle.”Jim Cheng
In addition to leading the way in the city of Richmond’s plan to engage with the river – ignored for decades in favour of the highway – Hong Kong-based developer ASPAC (known locally for its work in Coal Harbour), says Mr. Cheng, has “given Asian buyers what they really want.” Namely orientation toward the view, maximizing security services, and creating an environment that favours multigenerational living.Jim Cheng
River Green comprises eight buildings and 458 units built around extensive landscaping and water elements that fuse private gardens with community amenitiesJim Cheng
Mr. Cheng’s use of forms angled off the grid opens up units to the water and mountain views and creates a more dynamic architecture.Jim Cheng
Jim Cheng
Jim Cheng