OMA Prince Bay Shenzhen
Located in Shenzhen, Shekou was one of the pilot development areas during the first wave of China's economic reform. Since then, Prince Bay has become an entry port into mainland China from Hong Kong, Macao and Zhuhai. Facing the recent developments in the neighboring Shekou Logistics Port, Sea World, Houhai and Qianhai, Prince Bay is seeking to reposition itself as a vibrant and interconnected destination within Shekou.
The masterplan introduces three major urban gestures - the Maritime Pocket, the Commercial Pocket, and the Community Pocket - which take geometric shapes in response to the existing coastline. Each of these pockets has distinct programing and mediates between the waterfront and the landscape city.
The Maritime Pocket, square in shape, is adjacent to the ferry piers. It primarily accommodates transportation facilities, while also providing cultural, entertainment, retail and restaurants. A large outdoor courtyard frames the bus station below. Access to the ferry pier, the cruise terminal and the underground passage to the MRT stations can be found at grade. The roof deck contains a Maritime Museum, restaurants and cafes, and offices, and features a publicly accessible landscaped deck. The cruise terminal facilities and the passenger transit area are located at the south-western perimeter of the pocket.
The Commercial Pocket, the largest in the masterplan, is defined as a low rise rectilinear volume broken down into three courtyard rings, each with a different height and its own distinct outdoor space. The Commercial Pocket provides, apart from leasable retail space, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces at different levels with views to the harbor and the city. Restaurants and cafes are located at the southern tip with views to the waterfront, as well as within several of the suspended volumes spanning across the width of the pocket. Porous at ground level, it allows uninterrupted access from the surrounding city blocks, establishing an intimate relationship between the pocket and the rest of the site. The Commercial Pocket is also connected to the MRT station and thus to the rest of Shenzhen.
The Community Pocket is a series of high-rise towers arranged in a circular configuration. Heights of the buildings are defined to allow for maximum permeability and a viewing corridor. Amenity facilities are located at ground level, within and along the edge of the circular configuration, activating both the Community Pocket and the adjacent waterfront.
Lastly, the landscape city provides a setting for the three pockets. Within the uniform grid established by the road network, zones of public green space occur within city blocks and at major intersections. The regular layout provides accessibility and flexible uses, while enhancing navigation within the site. In principle, the landscape city is designed to accommodate a rich program mix, including a preservation area, low density business park, an international school, a hospital, and a healthy mix of office and residential programs that includes an iconic office tower.
The synergy between the landscape city and the pockets creates diverse, functional and human-oriented environments, rejuvenating Prince Bay as a significant point of access into China.
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