WORKac‘s design for a 1-kilometer section of Hua Qiang Bei Road in Shenzhen was awarded first prize. The design responds to the area’s growing commercial character which has unfortunately created traffic problems. For the proposal, the road becomes a series of “strategic interventions” where “five iconic lanterns”, (twisting bands of required program) create unique, visible destinations through a process of “urban acupuncture”.
More images and more about the design after the break.
The lanterns’ size makes them visible across the street, and they also provide shade during the day and glow with activity during the night. Each lantern contains special destination public programs such as an electronics museum, an urban information hub or a “figure eight” observation pavilion.
Underground, new connective spaces provide public amenities and provide connections across the street and between four newly created metro lines.
All images courtesy of WORKac.
The project is a collaboration with the Shenzhen architectural firm Zhubo, Arup as consulting traffic, sustainability, structural and MEP engineers and Balmori Associates as landscape architects.
