Networked Urban Spaces
gmp completes office tower blocks in Shenzhen
With the Shenzhen Qianhai Towers, the architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) have completed two office blocks in the Shenzhen metropolis where urban density is combined with landscaped and pedestrianized spaces.
The plot in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong urban development area, near the Qianhai Bay, is crossed by a wide green axis. The design by gmp is oriented towards the park at the riverbank, with the arrangement of the high-rises such that views in and out of the buildings are maximized. The highest tower is located to the north, a smaller one in the middle, and a lower building of the city to the south. The square footprints of the high-rises are bisected, with both parts slightly offset. This results in attractive entrance areas with a central elevator lobby on the first floor and enhanced daylight on the upper floors.
The core idea of the design is the networked element. At the level of the second floor, pedestrian bridges link the tower blocks. They offer a connection to the green space, to the neighboring buildings, and to the adjoining bus station to the east, which has been covered by an elevated park also designed by gmp. The bridges frame calm inner courtyards – collectively-used spaces with no motorized traffic. Intermediate spaces and recesses create diverse areas with their own identity.
Public functions such as cafés, restaurants, and retail facilities are located in the plinth zones of the towers and at the level of the bridges. These areas were designed to be publicly accessible, inviting passers-by to explore the parks and neighboring buildings. This creates traffic-free lively urban spaces that also make a contribution to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The objective of this urban design concept is to create attractive quarters within easy walking distance to public transport and to thereby make a contribution to sustainable growth.
