an elevated red path connects the 'forest and sports park' in shenzhen

designed by a trio of firms — LOLA landscape architects, TALLER architects, and land and civilization compositions (LCC) — this park in china serves a new destination for recreation and relaxation. the project, known as ‘the forest and sports park’, is located in the guangming district of shenzhen — a region known for its technological and entrepreneurial approach. consequently, the design team says that its ambition was to create a setting that was as innovative as the city itself, adapting to evolving needs of its users.

stairs to the starting point of the forest sports park | all images courtesy of LOLA, TALLER, LCC 

LOLA, TALLER, and LCC designed an elevated red path that gives access to the neighboring forest and offers views of the city and mountains beyond. in this way, the destination serves as a transitional space between the city of guangming and the forest reserve. while the region finds success in innovative industries, the park focuses on innovation in the fields of sports and ecology.

drone photo of the completed skatepark, one of many sports facilities

two R&D centers, one for sports and one for botany, are centrally located. the design team explains that, from here, a constant evolution and diversification of the park takes place. on the central loop, a linear plant and tree nursery is integrated. meanwhile, within the natural forest setting, visitors are able to get to know new and forgotten sports, as well as the latest techniques used in these activities.

the skatepark is one of the places where visitors are able to get to know new and forgotten sports

the red path forms a landmark for the region that connects the park with both the city and the forest. as part of the route, a series of pavilions serve as restaurants, restrooms, viewing platforms, and forest cabins. in order to minimize the environmental impact, these modular structures were prefabricated off-site. by placing them on stilts, the structures free up ground space, while providing valuable shade for visitors during hot summer months.

by placing the path on stilts, the design provides shade so that visitors can escape the summer heat

with the first phase of the 600 hectare project almost complete, the park has already become a landmark destination for the region. at the first edition of the world architecture festival china, the design was honored with the WAFChina 2020 for excellent design as well as the overall best landscape award. construction on the second phase of the park is expected to get underway in 2021.

various slopes and spiral ramps connect the path with the ground plane

to minimize environmental impact, pavilions and viewing points are modular and prefabricated

view from the top of the path running through the thick forest

active use of the sports facilities park during the evenings

the forest sports park entrance at night

aerial rendering of the site

masterplan of the forest sports park

section of the forest sports park showing the wide variety of biodiversity and use | click for larger version

diagram of the park’s landmark red path design

project info:

name: forest and sports park in guangming
location: guang ming, shenzhen, china
 size: 600 ha.
 design: 2018  
construction first phase: 2019-2020
 organizer: guangming new district management committee  
co-organizer: shenzhen guang ming center for urban development  
design team: LOLA landscape architects, TALLER architects, land and civilization compositions 
awards: WAFChina 2020 for best landscape, WAFChina 2020 for excellent design  