Shenzhen Airport East Integrated Transport Hub

Opportunity

The design competition brief called for creation of a visionary new gateway in the Greater Bay Area between China and its special administrative regions. The centrepiece of the design would be a transport hub that would improve the journeys of thousands of daily commuters by offering effortless transfers between high-speed rail and other public transport modes, and providing connections and terminal facilities for passengers travelling to and from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

The transport hub had to be safe, green, intelligent and humanistic, integrating the latest technologies. Not only was the aspiration to create one of the most integrated transport interchanges in the world, but to raise a new international standard for sustainable urban design.

Solution

Our competition-winning design consortium is led by architect Grimshaw and includes China Aviation Planning and Design Institute (AVIC CAPDI) and Beijing Urban Construction Design and Development Group (BJUCD). The team was inspired by the possibilities of transferring forms from nature to architecture. Mangrove trees have special significance for the city of Shenzhen as mangrove forests surround the area. It’s also one of the planet’s most effective carbon absorbers. The tree’s root eco-system inspired the design for the journey passengers will take above and below ground, landside and airside, while its biodiversity reflects the hub’s mix of uses. The trunk and branch forms of mangrove trees are most clearly expressed in the structural form of the transport interchange’s columns and roof.

Outcome

Our design principles will deliver operational, experiential and ecological excellence. By combining our global and local expertise in aviation, surface transport and the built environment, this project will deliver a sustainable, passenger-centric facility that supports the continued development of the Greater Bay Area.

Alongside rail and aviation, the master plan promotes active travel – such as cycling and walking – with pedestrian and bike-friendly routes, easy wayfinding and attractive landscaping. Sustainable design and specification mean the project will achieve the highest possible LEED environmental rating and a Chinese 3 Star rating.

We’re now in the design development phase, working with stakeholders to deliver a world-class integrated transport hub that meets everyone’s goals for the project. Excavation of the foundations will be completed by the end of 2022, with the whole hub being completed by 2026.