mecanoo: new cultural complex in shenzhen

delft-based practice mecanoo has won first place in the design competition for a new 90,000 square meter cultural complex in shenzhen, china. consisting of a public art gallery, science museum, youth center, bookshop, underground parking and a public square, the project will provide the district with its own landmark, transforming the existing longcheng park into a lively destination point.

all images courtesy mecanoo

connecting the cultural complex with the surrounding areas and new residential development, the design includes a series of tapering volumes emerging from one side of the 70,000 square meter public square. the buildings come together to create open arches and sheltered outdoor spaces for numerous event types. drawing from the natural flow of the pedestrians, the complex’s form is ‘carved’ out to feature round curves, lending the overall design a dynamic and visually-arresting identity. different programs located on the street level open outwards into the exterior public space, making the grounds of the complex a lively and energetic area.

night view

3D model in context