Render: Atchain
The Yidan Centre in Shenzhen, China, is fully under construction and has now reached its full height. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), this hub of lifelong learning and innovation in architecture will help define Shenzhen’s new cultural quarter alongside the adjacent Qianhai Museum.
The stunning design features terraces and balconies overlooking a central canyon to promote connectivity in a way that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors. The connectivity is an extension of the Yidan Centre’s important work in creating a learning-focused community. This new international headquarters will provide a rich program of cultural events, exhibitions, and activities for the center’s community in China and its partners across the globe.
ZHA was also inspired by the area’s mountainous landscape, which is informed by valleys and canyons, when creating the organic shape of the building. The result is a sinewy structure that plays with positive and negative space. The architects have also made great use of greenery, using it to guide visitors toward the center’s “canyon.” A large skylight acts as an oculus, flooding the interior with natural light.
As always, ZHA remains conscious of creating architecture with the highest sustainable standards. The Yidan Centre not only enjoys the highest three-star standard of China’s National Green Building Program, but also LEED Gold certification. An example of the building’s efficiency is its external louvres that provide effective solar shading while permitting natural light to penetrate the interiors and, at the same time, offering panoramic views of Qianhai Bay. These louvres also enhance the striated, geological formations of the architecture.
While there’s no announced completion date, the photos give a promising look at the structure, which is already cutting a magnificent figure.
ZHA has designed the Yian Centre in Shenzhen as a hub to promote lifelong learning and community engagement.
Render: Atchain
Render: Atchain
Render: Atchain
Render: Atchain
Render: Atchain
Construction is in progress, with the building already reaching its full height.
Photo: ZHA
Photo: Xue Liang
Photo: Xue Liang
Photo: ZHA