MVRDV's Colorful Stacked Art Village Rises in Shenzhen
The Bihailou Art Village, a 6,500-square-meter mixed-use cultural center, is being developed by Rotterdam's MVRDV in Shatoujiao, Shenzhen, under the commission of Shenzhen Shatoujiao Commercial Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. This project replaces a local eatery and incorporates unique volumes, colors, and entrances for various functions. Drawing inspiration from MVRDV's 2011 Vertical Village concept, the design features a multifunctional performance theater, the Fish Lantern Museum, shops, and restaurants, each with separate access points. Public pathways are designed to remain open, leading to roof terraces that offer scenic views. MVRDV’s founding partner, Winy Maas, characterizes the design as a remix of the site's context. Construction is currently in progress, with the goal of establishing a landmark.
Key facts
- MVRDV is building the Bihailou Art Village in Shatoujiao, Shenzhen, a mixed-use cultural center.
- The project is commissioned by Shenzhen Shatoujiao Commercial Foreign Trade Co., Ltd.
- The 6,500-square-meter complex stacks a theater, museum, retail, and dining spaces.
- The design is based on the Vertical Village concept developed by MVRDV and The Why Factory in 2011.
- Each function has its own volume, color, and entrance, allowing independent operating hours.
- The largest volume houses a multifunctional theater with retractable seating and a floor-to-ceiling window.
- Public circulation includes stairs, escalators, ramps, and roof terraces with views.
- The color palette is inspired by the surrounding buildings and the former Bihailou restaurant.
Entities
Artists
- Winy Maas
Institutions
- MVRDV
- The Why Factory
- Shenzhen Shatoujiao Commercial Foreign Trade Co., Ltd.
Locations
- Shatoujiao
- Shenzhen
- China
- Rotterdam
- Hong Kong