Cultural Complex Longgang District Shenzhen, Mecanoo China Project Design

Cultural Complex Longgang District, Shenzhen

Building Development in China design by Mecanoo architecten

25 May 2011

Cultural Complex Longgang District, Shenzhen by Mecanoo

Mecanoo appointed architect for museums in Shenzhen, China

Design: Mecanoo architecten

Mecanoo architecten has been selected by the district government of Shenzhen to design a new cultural complex in Shenzhen. The design comprises a public art museum, science museum, youth centre and a mega bookstore totaling 90,000 m².

images : Doug and Wolf

The jury of the international competition selected Mecanoo’s proposal because it fits seamlessly into the ambition to transform Longcheng park into a cultural museum park. The museum complex is located between the commercial business district of Longgang and Longcheng park. The museums and the mega bookstore are connected via immense arches, creating four sheltered squares in the subtropical city. Mecanoo cooperated with structural and sustainability consultant Grontmij.

images : Doug and Wolf

Mecanoo architecten is a Dutch award-winning international practice led by founding architect/creative director Francine M.J. Houben. Projects abroad include the Library of Birmingham integrated with the REP Theatre in the UK, the Wei-Wu-Ying Center for the Arts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the campus of the National University of Science and Technology MISiS in Moscow, Russia. In 2010 La Llotja de Lleida theatre and congress centre in Lerida, Spain, celebrated its opening.

images : Doug and Wolf

Grontmij is an international sustainable design and management consultancy with approximately 11,000 professionals providing engineering services with a focus on the built and natural environment, mobility, water and energy. In China they are currently working in the city of Wuhan on several projects. Grontmij developed the sustainability concept and provided expertise in structural engineering and technical installations for the Shenzhen Cultural Complex.

images : Mecanoo architecten

Cultural Complex Longgang

Shenzhen, China

Mecanoo designed the winning competition entry for a new 83,500 m2 cultural complex with a public art museum, science museum, youth centre and a bookshop, public square and parking in the Shenzhen district. The new cultural and commercial complex will provide the district with its own landmark and destination and transform the existing Longcheng park into a lively destination point. It will form a dynamic link between the commercial business district, a formal park and gardens and one of the district’s main thoroughfares. The new museum complex will unify the evolving urban fabric and generate a vibrant downtown.

urban connector

Connecting the cultural complex with the surrounding areas and new residential development was the key consideration for the design. The linearity of the existing urban masterplan created a barrier between the western development area and Longcheng park, further cutting up the area and contributing to its lack of urban vitality. Longcheng park will become a lively square which will further strengthen the quarter’s identity and provide residents and visitors with a much needed sense of place.

arches

Four building volumes emerge from the ground to create a series of arches and sheltered public event spaces which frame the central square. Rounded shapes respect the natural flow of pedestrians through the site. These open arches serve as filters, attractors and reference points and allow the building programmes to expand outside while formally symbolising openness and connection. Different programmes strategically located on the ground floor open outwards into the exterior public space including the city in the exhibition. From within the building interior, two bridges will link to the commercial plinths of the new residential area. Cultural and commercial programmes are linked to contribute to an urban symbiosis.

programme

Cultural complex of 83,500 m2 with public art museum, science museum, youth centre and a bookshop and 22,500 m2 of underground parking and a new public square totalling 7 hectares. Invited design competition, 1st place.

Cultural Complex Longgang District images / information from Mecanoo architecten

Mecanoo

Location: Longgang, Hong Kong