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Nan Tou Square Shenzhen

Shenzhen Landscape Development design by BDP Architects

21 Sep 2009

Nan Tou Square

Design: BDP

BDP WINS URBAN REALM COMPETITION IN CHINA

BDP has won a competition to design a new town square, streets and a public park in the Nan Tou historic quarter of Shenzhen in China. The winning design was influenced by both historic and contemporary structures ensuring that they are integrated into the new urban environment and are given a setting that respects their role, style and scale. Historic buildings and spaces have been identified for restoration, and will be greatly enhanced by the introduction of new surfacing, window frontages, canopies, signage, planting and lighting.

A new park shaped by topography and a network of pathways that extend from the grain of the city will contain a series of lawned terraces, water channels and shade structures.

A lotus pool with associated waterfalls, interactive fountains and a reflecting solar pool will provide a symbol of regeneration at an important gateway to the city. The pool will provide a focus to the park and will be the setting to its temple and museum. A stone ribbon will provide information on the ancient city and will help to guide people through the park and to the centre of the city.

Pedestrian movement and activity will be encouraged along the historic city wall. The wall is an important connection between the city and its park and will be the point at which old world and new world meet. Individual gardens, planted structures and expansive lawns will create a ‘living wall’, with the capacity to support a broad range of public activities and events.

BDP director Nick Edwards said: “Nan Tou is a hidden treasure with a proud and important history. It contains many valuable built and natural assets, has characterful streets and spaces, is largely free from vehicles, and has the potential to be a great place in which to live, work and spend time. This project presents a tremendous opportunity to incrementally repair the buildings, public realm and open spaces of the city in away that respects its heritage and the needs of its people.

Nan Tou Square Shenzhen images / information from BDP 210909

BDP Architects

Location: Nan Tou, Shenzhen, Eastern Asia