schmidt hammer lassen architects has designed an approx  460,000 m2 masterplan for the Tianjin Dongli National Science and Technology District. The masterplan has a public and active design that allows users and near-by residents to fully activate the district as a social space. The design is unified by the Synergy Ring, connecting and activating all elements in the plan and allowing access through a pedestrian and bicycle based system. The Synergy Ring will work as a catalyst for the city, creating a link of potential synergies both on a business level, between the different quarters, but also between cultural and administrative buildings. The Ring is a unifying identity stamp for the entire district, and can work as a common brand identity for the community, the citizens, the businesses and the workers.

Tianjin is China’s fourth largest city and an important gateway to the entire Bohai Economic Rim, including the capital Beijing. The design emphasizes and strengthens the conditions for the people who have their daily life within the district based around the simply idea that if people thrive, so will the technology and economic development.

The Administration Quarter forms the heart of the plan, with a large public square and the Convention Center. A Research Area will support technology companies, from startups to large multinationals, and will be complimented by a Central Business District. An international hotel will be closely connected with the nearby metro station. Two public parks along the Synergy Ring will create breakout spaces for the entire area and activate the space between different functions. 

The buildings program is complimented and connected by public and commercial spaces, making this district an active 24hr city that doesn’t become a ghost town outside working hours.

A ring of activity inspiring functions for the citizens of the community, by-passers and workers, connects the entire neighborhood and creates a social environment for the area. The Synergy Ring has the capacity to accommodate a variety of culture, commercial and leisure functions that enrich their context and offer the quality and importance this gateway hub deserves. 

The Synergy Ring will work as a catalyst for the city, creating a link of potential synergies both on a business level, between the different quarters, but also between cultural and administrative buildings.

We think of this loop as a Synergy Ring that has a unified identity stamp for the entire district, and can work as a common brand identity for the community, the residents, the businesses and the workers.

Lead design architect
schmidt hammer lassen architects

Local architect
BIAD, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design
Tianjin Urban Planning & Design Institute

Client
Dongli District, Tianjin Municipality 

Area
464,300 m2

Competition
2013, 1st prize in invited international competition