深圳坝光国际生物谷创新产业园Baguang International Bio-Valley Innovation Industrial Park, Shenzhen

Mountains and sea — a dialogue with nature

The project lies west of Baishawan Road in Shenzhen’s Dapeng New District, close to the Baguang Bay coastline, with expansive sea views. Unlike Shenzhen’s dense older districts, Baguang’s setting between mountains and sea calls for a different development model. Its mountains, coastline and pattern of traditional villages form a distinctive local context.

To retain these qualities, the proposal integrates architecture with the landscape and uses courtyards to bring sunlight and greenery into the centre of the site. A cellular layout, inspired by biotechnology, connects buildings across the two plots. Volumes descend towards the middle like a valley, opening a mountain-to-sea view corridor, and step down towards the water to form elevated sea-view gardens. Facing the bay, the façade breaks into clusters of smaller units, producing the layered character of a three-dimensional village. Raised ground floors and a dense network of landscaped paths create a relaxed, garden-like pedestrian environment.

An industrial community — a dialogue with the city

Although intended for new industrial uses, the project sits outside the main industrial concentration, surrounded by commercial, cultural, sports, transport, residential and park uses. We therefore seek to extend its role beyond industry. A regular 8.4 × 8.4 m structural grid allows flexible subdivision. L-shaped floor plates provide daylight, ventilation and views, with configurations suitable for start-ups, growing companies and mature businesses. Towers accommodate research offices and start-up incubator spaces; the podium and first basement provide industry services and supporting retail. A shared activity loop on the third floor links facilities for leisure, exchange and exercise. Up to 8,000 m² of adaptable space with a 6 m storey height can accommodate offices, laboratories, pilot production and commercial services.

Sea-view terraces at the top serve the businesses as informal meeting places and provide public spaces for rest and recreation. Roof terraces below the sixth floor form a three-dimensional park open to the city; the proposal envisages 24-hour public access to the site, supporting an active industrial community. Sunken courtyards, urban squares, an infinity pool, running tracks and courts contribute to this activity. Dense subtropical planting at ground and terrace levels combines with water features to create a pleasant natural setting.

Gold-level, zero-carbon ambitions — a dialogue with the future

The proposal aims to demonstrate low-carbon industrial development through appropriate, established technologies: green roofs, low-e glass, sunshades, rainwater collection, wind cowls, photovoltaics and smart energy monitoring. Inspired by ripples on the sea, the façade uses continuous horizontal wood-grain metal louvres. Positioned clear of key sightlines, they bend, twist and vary in width to create a flowing appearance. The louvres filter Shenzhen’s strong sunlight to reduce energy demand while recalling the waterfront setting. Linear lighting follows their form to produce a shimmering façade at night.