urban Nexus
Activating the streets for the people of Sungang-Qinshuihe.
Location: Shenzhen, China
Designed for: 2015 Global Schindler Award competition
The ideal method for bringing back the vernacular culture in SQ is through the design of spaces that will allow for cultural, social, and economical exchange.
DAY IN THE LIFE
The people of Sungang-Qinshuihe are currently facing the need for the redevelopment and re-purposing of their neighborhood. Faced with the rapid population growth and proximity to a major city, the urbanity is developed into one focused entirely on the pedestrians and their experience throughout the site.
UNDERSTADING THE CURRENT SITUATION
The site is well connected to regional transport alongside its edges, the current metro lines and bus stations connect the site to the rest of Shenzhen. However, the connections to the metro system lay along the edge of the SQ boundaries, complicating access to the central zones of the site. The bus system provides some access to the central area of the site, but like the biking and walking systems, fails to connect to the different scales of transit.
The design envisions SQ as an approachable neighborhood through systems of public transit. This would be achieved through the development of a network of transportation systems for the internal connection of the neighborhood.
PROPOSED NETWORK
A new subway line starting in Laojie will head north to Pinghu with several stops throughout SQ. The proposed addition focuses on establishing a network of connections throughout the city at multiple scales. This would bring urban vitality to SQ by connecting it to the rest of the city as well as overcoming the major dividers in SQ: the highway and railroad infrastructure.
DISTRICT ZONING
A mixed-use zoning strategy allows activity in all regions of the site throughout the day.
STREET SECTION
The street is activated in different levels derived from the interconnected network and resting spaces.
GREY WATER SYSTEM
Grey water recycling provides an opportunity to reduce the draw on Shenzhen’s insufficient supply of water.
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
Gabriela Orizondo + Jeshua DeJongh