Time: 2001/2004    Location: Shenzhen     Size: 4000 sqm

Narrow and irregular in shape, this 4000 sqm. site used to have an office building at the street corner. In the middle of the site, remains a public restroom. Beneath the surface, runs a covered canal.

The design idea first came from a bird-eye view of the site observed from a nearby roof top. It revealed a dramatic scene of this busy urban area: flowing lines, lights and colors. This view belongs to the real spirit of modern Shenzhen: a city in a mode of flowing, anywhere, anything, and anytime. By joining, splitting or overlapping, it keeps releasing endless energy like a flowing river.

A series of curving lines are designed in order to make a dialog with the surrounding environment. It is also a simple and effective way to fine tune the irregular shape of the site. The raised pedestrian pathways enrich the view and the experience of the people. The existing restroom is to be covered by metal mesh. A series of bamboo screen boxes are added to energize the plaza, and to function as light boxes at night.