Mecanoo's Cultural Complex in Shenzhen to begin construction

Construction is finally set to start for Mecanoo's Cultural Complex in Shenzhen, the Dutch firm's first project to be built in China. Back in 2011, Mecanoo won the international competition to design the new 95,000 m2 development in Shenzhen's growing Longgang district.

Equipped with three cultural centers and a 5-floor Book Mall, the complex aims to become a lively public destination that connects with the surrounding city. The complex is scheduled for completion in 2017.

Check out some renderings of Mecanoo's design below.

Project description:

"The Three Cultural Centers & One Book Mall complex comprises of a public art museum, a science museum, a youth centre, a book mall with 5 floors, retail units and underground parking facilities.

The 95,000 m2 development promises to transform Longcheng Park in Shenzhen’s Longgang district into a lively destination point that strengthens the quarter’s identity and provides citizens and visitors with a renewed sense of place."

"By 2017, the landmark complex will form a dynamic link between the commercial business districts’s high-rise, the green of Longcheng Park, and one of the Longgang’s main thoroughfares. The four building volumes of Three Cultural Centers & One Book Mall emerge from the ground to create a series of arches and sheltered public event spaces."

"Rounded shapes respect the natural flow of pedestrians through the site. Strategically located on the ground floor, the cultural centers open outwards into the exterior public space, literally absorbing the city in the exhibition."

"By linking cultural and commercial programmes, the new complex will generate a vibrant downtown for the district."

Project details

Client: Longgang Government
Location: Longcheng Square, Shenzhen, China
Design: 2011-2013
Realization; 2013-2015
Status: Under construction

Program: Cultural complex of 83,500 m2 with public art museum (13,500 m2), science museum (16,000 m2), youth centre (8,000 m2) and a bookshop (25,000 m2) and 22,500 m2 of underground parking and a new public square totaling 7 hectares.

All images courtesy of Mecanoo.

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Click the thumbnails below for more images.