MVRDV's Bihailou Art Village in Shenzhen Reinterprets Vertical Village Concept
MVRDV has presented its proposal for the Bihailou Art Village, a cultural and commercial hub currently being developed in Shenzhen, China, close to the Hong Kong border. This initiative builds on the 'Vertical Village' idea introduced in 2011, showcasing varied volumes distinguished by their geometry, materials, and colors. Each function is housed in its own structure, which includes a multifunctional theater, retail spaces, dining options, and the Fish Lantern Museum. Separate entrances facilitate distinct schedules for each area. Public pathways consist of stairs, escalators, and elevated walkways, culminating in rooftop terraces. Winy Maas remarked on the design's inherent contradictions. In other developments, MAD Architects finished the Shenzhen Bay Culture Plaza, and the Shenzhen Museum of Natural History has opened. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is anticipated to launch on December 11, 2026.
Key facts
- MVRDV designed Bihailou Art Village, a mixed-use cultural and commercial center in Shenzhen, China.
- The project is located in the Shatoujiao neighborhood, near the Hong Kong border.
- It adapts the 'Vertical Village' concept developed by MVRDV and The Why Factory in 2011.
- The design consists of fragmented volumes with different geometries, materials, and colors.
- It includes a multifunctional theater, retail spaces, restaurants, and the Fish Lantern Museum.
- Each program has independent access, allowing flexible operating hours.
- Public circulation includes stairs, escalators, ramps, and elevated walkways leading to rooftop terraces.
- Winy Maas, founding partner of MVRDV, commented on the design's contradictions.
- MAD Architects completed the Shenzhen Bay Culture Plaza, a 188,000 sqm complex in Nanshan.
- The Shenzhen Museum of Natural History, by 3XN, B+H Architects, and Zhubo Design, opened.
- The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry, is scheduled to open on December 11, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Winy Maas
- Frank Gehry
- Wenchian Shi
Institutions
- MVRDV
- The Why Factory
- MAD Architects
- 3XN
- B+H Architects
- Zhubo Design
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
- Fish Lantern Museum
- Shenzhen Museum of Natural History
- Shenzhen Shatoujiao Commercial Foreign Trade Co., Ltd.
- designboom
Locations
- Shenzhen
- China
- Shatoujiao
- Hong Kong
- Nanshan
- Abu Dhabi
- Shatoujiao district