Over the past 30 years, Shenzhen has been the site of dramatic urbanization. From a small fishing village in the late seventies, it has grown into a world city. The Nanshan Technology Finance City is at the center of the Shenzhen High-Tech Industrial Park (SHIP), Shenzhen Bay Park, one of the six key national science parks in China.
Located along the eastern entrance to SHIP on Shen Nan Avenue, the masterplan is laid out as blocks dissected by 'ribbons' of streets and squares, which establish key pedestrian and public transport routes. The dense urban fabric is closely knitted with the surrounding city, following the topography of the site, with landscaped public spaces and green terraces that characterize and bind the masterplan together.
Located along the eastern entrance to SHIP on Shen Nan Avenue, the masterplan is laid out as blocks dissected by 'ribbons' of streets and squares, which establish key pedestrian and public transport routes. The dense urban fabric is closely knitted with the surrounding city, following the topography of the site, with landscaped public spaces and green terraces that characterize and bind the masterplan together.
"The masterplan is about giving the city back to its people. Moving away from separated retail and commercial zones, it puts people at the heart of design. Pedestrian access and ease of movement through the site of primary importance and public spaces are essential to create vibrant areas within the masterplan. The new streets and alleyways adopted the existing topography and create a district that is highly permeable and accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians while maintaining a human-scale throughout the development".
Grant Brooker, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners
The practice has also designed seven office towers within the masterplan that are a striking new addition to the city's skyline. Moving away from the monolithic building type, the stepped structures soften the edges and their elegant proportions create a graceful marker for the surrounding area. Their profiles also create a variety of terrace spaces with uninterrupted panoramic views of Shenzhen, while animating the city skyline.
To accommodate greater flexibility, the structure was placed externally to allow column free floorplates. These columns were then used to self-shade the towers, creating larger windows and optimizing views to create a more pleasant working environment. The external structure is clad in shimmering white and silver profiled panels, outlining the towers and articulating the masterplan's unique 'ribbons' expression.
"The Nanshan Technology Finance City aims to create urban fabric for Shenzhen in the 21st century. As Shenzhen continues to develop rapidly in the coming decade, it will provide a vibrant hub and exciting workplaces for people and visitors from around the world", added Brooker.
