Over the last twenty years, the incredible economic growth of China has led to enormous urbanization, with massive migrations from rural to urban areas. Though impressive in size, most of these urban developments are rather monotonous, lacking diversity, individuality, and moreover, relying on external resources. China Hills is a visionary project from which future urban planning programs can draw inspiration and stimulate social reformation. The density needed requires tall buildings and mixed programs, but the current typology of towers does not offer sufficient natural lighting for food and energy production above ground level.

By making spacious, raked terraces the areas exposed to sun are increased, generating more open, attractive, and livable high-rises. The interiors of these ‘hills’ are destined for retail, leisure, and industry, with giant grottoes for programs which require less light. By inserting these new ‘hills’ in and around existing cities, a new form of inhabited mountain range appears; one where individuality blends with collective responsibilities, and where architecture, urbanism, and landscape blend into a continuous spatial experience.