Sweco has been commissioned to design the city plan. Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka will be a modern city district for approximately 70,000 residents and 200,000 workers. The city district – which will be located on filled-in land between the old city centre and the new industrial port – features residences, schools, offices, hotels and commercial space, and a variety of public spaces including parks, squares, and a new beach and channel waterfront.
Sweco was commissioned to develop the master plan and urban design. To reduce dependency on private cars, a series of public transportation nodes along a central boulevard forms the spine of the development. A higher grade of mixed use and high density is planned in accordance with sustainable planning principles for transitoriented development, and pedestrian movement is encouraged with arcade systems along main streets.
A digital 3D model was used in the work process to simulate and test, various scenarios and identify the optimal urban form. The design of the city aims to reduce energy consumption and ensure a comfortable micro-climate. Port City showcases sustainable solutions for infrastructure, urban development and architecture in a tropical climate.