Dutch firm Mecanoo and Meng Architects, in collaboration with LOLA Landscape Architects, have won an international competition to design the Science Valley Science Center in Shenzhen, China.
Shenzhen Guangming Scientist Valley is the first comprehensive national science center in the Great Bay area. The ambitious project is to become a global symbol of scientific progress and innovation, attracting researchers and innovators from all over the world, and serve as a link for a network of science and technology institutions spanning Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
The “Valley of Scholars” with an area of 1.2 square kilometers is located in the Guangming District, in the valley between the Liantang and Louchun reservoirs. Its advantageous geographical position, surrounded by mountains and water, provides an ecological advantage. And the concept, which takes into account the unique natural characteristics of the site, is called the “Scientific Forest”.
The main idea of the project is the “Valley of Coexistence”. It revolves around a strategy of “temporary restoration and selective construction” where time is a vital element. The plan includes a diverse program of community events, known as 1001 Forest Gardens, and three interdependent components: a research center, a public walking trail, and a green space around the perimeter. The goal is to promote cooperation between the public and scientists, restore the forest growing on the site and help harmonious coexistence in the valley.
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