Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill to design Shimao Shenzhen Longgang Master Plan and 700-meter “anthropomorphic” tower

“In this way, [the tower] adds a subtle layer of contextualism to the activities that these performance spaces contain,” Adrian Smith continues. “The result is a muscular expression in high-performance glass with layers of texture that define the elements of its shaped form.”

The top of the tower will include a performance space combined with one of the world's highest observations and club facilities like a restaurant, night club, spa, and a grand swimming pool, all of which will provide views of Shenzhen and beyond, Smith describes.

Surrounding the tower will be a mixed-use district that includes a five-star hotel, offices, conference facilities, a cultural center, and main library, all connected by landscaped promenades. A retail facility will be situated at the northeast corner of the site, while apartment towers will occupy the northwest section. The complex will also have a major public transportation center and bus terminal.

“Gardens and open spaces were designed to accommodate memorable and unique experiences,” says AS+GG Partner Gordon Gill. “Through an optimized configuration of the buildings and the inclusion of water features, a successful microclimate will improve outdoor comfort throughout the year.”

Aiming for a LEED Platinum rating, the development includes sustainable elements like high-performance glass to reduce heat gain, strategic natural lighting and ventilation, and water management — in response to Shenzhen's heavy rains and flooding during the summer.

“It was crucial that the site can manage 100 percent of a 100-year storm event,” AS+GG says. The site will also have landscape features like engineered soils, retention ponds, native plants, and foliage as a network of systems that will recycle rainwater for irrigation and other purposes.

A project timeline is yet to be announced.