a thin mesh canopy hovers over this visitor center concept by florian marquet for a site in shenzhen, china. designed by the shanghai-based architect to be ‘borderless’ and with no front or rear elevation, the proposed public building aims to tie together architecture and nature.

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

a borderless public building that ties together architecture and nature

images courtesy of florian marquet

 

 

for this conceptual project, florian marquet has shown a green site positioned between hills and the open sea. inspired by the openness of the sea, the goal was to create a building that is inviting from all angles and has no real start or end. the proposal, therefore, connects the building with the surrounding landscape through a porous design.

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

the canopy is not only a symbolic tie between the building and its surroundings, it also protects the public from hot, sunny days in shenzhen

 

 

the more public-focused functions are located underground and are designed to be easily accessible and visually connected. the program for the whole complex includes a sunken public library, open-air atriums, offices, a tourist information center, exhibtion spaces, and a sky terrace cafè on the fourth floor.

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

outdoor public gathering spaces are layered underneath the canopy

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

open-air atriums on both sides of the building bring the public closer to the surrounding environment

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

the building and sunken library offer a layered porosity of functions and visual connection

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

the more public-focused programs are located underground

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

the public library is sunken under ground level to minimize the footprint of the building

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

an extension of the existing park over the sunken library connects the building with the surrounding environment

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

the proposal intends to be an inviting symbol for visitors to shenzhen

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

a delicate canopy hovers over the site to unify the building with the landscape

florian marquet proposes a huge basin-shaped visitor center for shenzhen designboom

the design prioritizes sustainability without disrupting the functions of the building

 

 

project info:

 

project name: shenzhen visitor center

status: concept

architect: florian marquet

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom