Designed while at Thirst

Xiong’an New Area is China’s bold vision for a “city of the future”—a next-gen economic zone launched in 2017, about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Anchored by Baiyangdian, the largest freshwater lake in Northern China, the region blends innovation with ecological preservation.

Span’s John Pobojewski shaped the narrative, presentation, and visual identity for SOM and TLS's award-winning urban design for the project’s core area. Titled City of Life, the urban scheme channels the rhythm of the 24 Chinese solar terms to reflect cycles of change and renewal. Ginkgo-inspired 3D visuals mark each chapter, while close-up footage of hands coming together underscores the project’s core message: one community through collaboration.