Shenzhen was awarded the ‘City of Design’ in 2008 by UNESCO. Living up to that status, their new landmark cultural and transportation hub will be built by Dutch architects (OMA) and Shenzhen-based architects (URBANUS) based on their design. The new centre will be known as Shenzhen Creative Centre located right in front of the iconic city hall.
The design for this Shenzhen Creative Center aims to introduce a space that fosters urbanity without the overcrowdedness seen in most big cities in China today and yet supports a multitude of activities within that space.
Above ground, the Center will span across a 20-hectare landscape of parks and gardens, pavilions and small buildings known as "Design Villages." There would be an elevated pedestrian walkway "Ring Connector" surrounding the centre.
While below ground, a system of "Shortcut Connectors" link will be the future train and subway stations connecting conveniently to the other transport infrastructure in the city.
Architectural Culture Hubs
Shenzhen Creative Centre Embraces Urbanity & Open Space
Trend Themes
1. Urban Culture Hubs - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to create spatial designs that embrace and foster urban culture while addressing overcrowding and the need for multifunctional spaces.
2. Parkland Architecture - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to incorporate extensive parkland and gardens in architectural designs to create spaces that connect city dwellers with nature.
3. Mixed-use Infrastructure - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity to design integrated infrastructures that cater to a wide variety of transportation needs, such as trains, subways, and pedestrian walkways, as well as a mix of cultural and commercial uses.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can embrace the opportunity to create new designs that foster urbanity without overcrowding and support multifunctional activities within a limited space.
2. Transportation - Transportation companies can explore the opportunity to integrate transportation infrastructure, such as train and subway stations, within mixed-use cultural hubs to create a more convenient and versatile urban experience.
3. Urban Planning - Urban planners can explore design concepts that incorporate parkland, gardens, and open space in new urban developments to provide city dwellers with access to green spaces, promote health, and well-being in urban environments.