shenzhen crystal island competition by OMA and urbanus
image courtesy OMA /ole scheeren

OMA in collaboration with shenzhen based architects urbanus has been awarded
first prize in the shenzhen crystal island competition.

the scheme builds on shenzhen's newly acquired status of 'city of design', awarded
by UNESCO in 2008, and proposes for the city's crystal island project the formation
of 'shenzhen creative center': a focal point for the city's creative industries in front
of shenzhen's iconic city hall. previously dispersed creative industries will be joined
through connective infrastructure and cultivated in a landscape of multiplicity,
permeability, and openness towards creative activity.

above ground, shenzhen creative center consists of a 20-hectare landscape of parks
and gardens, populated by clusters of pavilions and small buildings - 'design villages'
that form a vibrant micro-urbanism of public activity. the site is encompassed by an
elevated pedestrian 'ring connector', an urban walkway joining its multiple elements
and infrastructures.

underground, a system of 'shortcut connectors' link existing and future train and subway
stations and provide access to buses, taxis, shopping areas, city hall, and the creative center,
while accommodating diverse design-related display and activity zones.

at the heart of these two systems is the 'shenzhen eye', a new landmark for the city.


shenzhen crystal island competition


shenzhen crystal island night view


shenzhen crystal island night view


shenzhen crystal island plan


shenzhen crystal island plan


shenzhen crystal island plan