The lightning fast pace of development in Shenzhen, China, continues with a large new project by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). Named the Huanggang Port Area masterplan, the scheme envisions transforming a port area in the huge megacity into a new science and technology hub.
Assuming all goes ahead as planned, the Huanggang Port Area masterplan will be focused on turning the port's 1.67-sq-km (0.6-sq-miles) of existing parking lots and cargo inspection areas into a series of greenery covered scientific research centers and laboratories, as well as a conference center.
There will also be a residential area nearby that will consist of housing, schools, sports and recreational facilities, plus retail and dining spaces, an administrative area with supporting offices, and hotels for visiting scientists and researchers.
Finer details are still light at this early stage, but we do know that the masterplan will feature a wide pedestrian boulevard that connects to a plaza and a public square, while a series of skybridges and raised pathways will provide easy access between the buildings without requiring people to travel to the ground.
A collection of green spaces will also be located on the outskirts of the project and it will offer direct connection to Shenzhen's existing metro network.
"The future Huanggang Port Area masterplan in Shenzhen, China will be an important node of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Science and Technology Corridor, creating a hub of scientific research and collaboration in industries such as microelectronics, material development, artificial intelligence, robotics, and medical sciences," says ZHA. "In addition to the two primary civic plazas, each smaller cluster of buildings has its own ‘nucleus’ of an outdoor communal square ensuring spaces for nature are integrated throughout the masterplan that will also create a green belt of parklands and wetlands along the Shenzhen River."
Zaha Hadid Architects has really stepped up its presence in China since longtime Hadid collaborator Patrik Schumacher took charge of the firm, with recent projects in that part of the world including a sustainable office building, a stunning skyscraper, an entire island, and a huge airport.
We've no word yet on when work is expected to begin on the Huanggang Port Area masterplan.
Source: ZHA