Dutch architects Mecanoo recently revealed their vision for transforming Longgang, a district of Shenzhen, China, into a thriving economic center. Their master plan calls for the growing city to be redesigned to include 8,000 residences and over 4.3 million square feet for commercial functions.
Project description and more images after the break.
In the past twenty years, Longgang dramatically changed from a small fishing village to one of the richest cities in all of China. Mecanoo saw the opportunity to push Longgang even closer to becoming a top world city by introducing the idea of a center filled with commercial activities which could be utilized any time of the day.
The complex would feature the customary retail centers and small business areas, as well as a multitude of larger office spaces and residential apartments. This vast urban setting would welcome a variety of users and thus ignite economic growth. The site is situated between two parallel boulevards, with one side facing the city park and the other, the vivid city streets. One of the entrances to the complex is marked with a huge horizontal building which stands on four legs. This building houses malls, hotels and even an ice skating rink. The building creates a dynamic entrance and also helps filter users deeper into the complex.
The larger buildings of the complex are linked by a series of squares and promenades. Mecanoo’s vision for such areas is to provide a tropical atmosphere, complete with palm trees and water. These areas provide a unique feel to a seemingly regular cityscape while also providing areas for the citizens to feel freed from the chaotic Longgang atmosphere.
As seen on Dezeen.
