mecanoo unveils nature-infused proposal for guangming scientist valley campus in china

Guangming Scientist Valley by mecanoo & LOLA

Architecture practice Mecanoo has announced that it’s one of the three finalists for the International Competition Guangming Scientist Valley. The Dutch firm’s proposal, created in collaboration with LOLA landscape architects, was selected from 173 entries from around the world and meets the competition’s brief to create an international science campus in Shenzhen that provides a sense of belonging and combines scientific elements with the natural landscape. As seen in the newly unveiled renderings, the design envisions a comprehensive complex of intersecting linear wood structures, as well as a group of circular pavilions that look as if they will serve as public areas of the science campus.

the design envisions a complex of linear wood structures, as well as a group of circular pavilions | all images courtesy of Mecanoo

an efficient shared social space for scientific talents

Guangming Scientists Valley is expected to create an international campus, an efficient shared social space for scientific talents. The brief asks for the design to harmoniously fit into the strategic location, the topography and the character of Shenzhen, in order to generate a comprehensive creative and educational center. The hub will provide high-quality public facilities and services to support scientific development, thus enabling inspiration and innovation.

‘The urban and architectural design of Guangming Scientists Valley should not only meet the needs of target groups and functions, but also show the pioneering character of Shenzhen, embody the design principles of ecology and low-carbon, pioneer and future, socializing and diversity, science and innovation, as well as feasibility and sustainability.’ states the organizational team of the competition (find more here).

Since the design by Mecanoo (find more here) and LOLA (find more here) is among the three finalists in the competition, it’s safe to assume that the proposal meets the criteria above. As seen in the renderings, the design blends into the local landscape with an ensemble of wood structures and pavilions, and includes several open spaces that allow residents to interact with each other and the natural environment. Lush gardens and water features are integrated into the design, creating a nature-inspired complex that could stimulate creative thinking and innovative activities.

gardens and water features are integrated into the design