Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has won the International Urban Design Ideas Competition for the Financial District and Marina District of the Port City Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Developed along with U.K.-based landscape architects Grant Associates, the project will develop public spaces and an urban framework to accommodate future growth for the country’s capital, as well as form its new skyline. The master plan includes a new harbor, civic plaza, cultural venue, park, gardens, squares, and canal promenades.
The competition, organized by real estate developer CHEC Port City Colombo, was held to extend the Colombo Central Business District and establish the city as a cultural center for commerce and tourism in South Asia.
The jury unanimously selected SOM’s design as they felt the project exhibited a sincere consideration of the ecological and cultural environment of Sri Lanka. The project will cover 2.9 billion square feet, and is expected to be completed in 2041.
