A large-scale concept that works hand in hand with Luohu's urban renewal to create a well-structured, navigable district
Luohu Streetscape Renovation
The railway corridor will be transformed into the “Artery of life” to catalyze the urban regeneration and industrial iteration of adjacent areas
Sasaki took first place in the international design competition for Luohu Streetscape, Luohu Railway Station, and Guang-shen Railway Corridor Renovation in Shenzhen, China.
As its first urban district, Luohu has served as Shenzhen’s gateway to Hong Kong since the city broke its ground.  After years of rapid development, issues resulting from poor planning and its population boom have posed numerous challenges to Luohu’s urban environment — low traffic capacity, an antiquated transit system, poor spatial quality at street level, and inefficient land use.
This project aims to systematically refresh the image of Luohu, aligning its urban regeneration effort with the district’s latest positioning, and meticulously elevate the spatial quality of its public realms, improving user experiences and matching Shenzhen’s identity as China’s first special economic zone.
This project aims to systematically improve the image of Luohu while meticulously elevate the spatial quality of its public realms.
Luohu is facing numerous challenges in its urban environment, including low traffic capacity, an antiquated transit system, poor spatial quality of some streets, and inefficient land use
The north-south corridor along the Guang-Shen Railway and Buji River traverses the center of the district, becoming a huge barrier in creating an interconnected urban fabric
The concept of Sasaki’s design scheme is “From Luohu Bridge to the Artery of Life.” It takes public open spaces and a transportation hub as catalysts for the holistic transformation of the district; converts existing industrial parcels into vital uses in urban life and introduces surgical redevelopment at strategic locations to improve overall urban structure; promotes infill projects to improve the Luohu’s image; celebrates the unique character of each public street while improving circulation for pedestrians and bike riders.
Take public open spaces and a transportation hub as catalysts for the holistic transformation of the district
Convert existing industrial parcels into vital uses in urban life and introduce surgical redevelopment at strategic locations to improve the overall urban structure
Promote infill projects to improve the Luohu’s image
Celebrate the unique character of each public street while improving circulation for pedestrians and bike riders
In the long-term, the north-south corridor along the Guang-Shen Railway and Buji River will be transformed into the “Artery of Life”— a major public open space corridor traversing the center of the district. It will connect the existing urban core with Luohu Port and the newly proposed Sungang Transportation Hub, catalyzing the industrial iteration and urban regeneration of adjacent areas. The Artery of Life will become the new gateway from Luohu to Hong Kong and the world.
A new gateway to Hong Kong and the world is proposed by transforming the existing Luohu Port and Luohu Railway Station area into an energetic lifestyle zone
Seven aspects were studied and integrated into the streetscape design: transportation, program, building façade, stormwater management, planting, site furnishing, and signage systems. The renovated streets will provide more efficient urban services and higher quality spaces.
Based on the existing railway warehouse area, a new hub is envisioned to integrate the Sungang high-speed railway station, mixed-use developments, and large green space
Individual characteristics of each street are celebrated based on their existing conditions and positioning for future. Dedicated bike lanes and clear right-of-way for pedestrians are proposed to provide a safe, slow, and engaging experience on the street level. Various programs organized in diverse spatial forms will compliment the uses found within adjacent commercial, office, residential, and civic buildings. With holistic renovation, the streets will serve as major platforms for exciting urban living.
The railway station’s innovative and sustainable façade renovation helps ventilate indoor spaces with a thermo-dynamic design
The design enhances the plaza’s function as an extension of the new life center building, creating a sense of “the city’s living room”
As the key connection between the pedestrian systems on either side of the streets, the existing overpass was also taken into consideration. With a new accessible path, equal crossing opportunities are created for people at a range of ability levels. The new pergola structure made of bamboo and ETFE membrane responds to the local climate and shelters people from the strong sunlight and heavy rain of Shenzhen.
A wide range of problems exist in Luohu’s streets, from road scale to building facades
Seven aspects are studied and integrated into the streetscape design. The renovated streets will provide more efficient urban services and higher-quality spaces
The existing railway station will be converted into a life hub, with the railway system moved underground and more service programs integrated into the building. The innovative thermo-dynamic design of the renovated façade helps ventilate indoor spaces and provide a more comfortable experience for people inside the structure. The design transforms the building from a monotonous transportation node to a vibrant urban destination.
This road is a main transportation corridor, with wide vehicular travel lanes and large setbacks. The pedestrian space is envisioned as various rooms to engage urban life
Multiple strategies are adopted to reduce street scale, activate building frontage, enrich street life, and improve stormwater management
The plaza in front of the railway station extends the uses of the new hub, creating a sense of “the city’s living room”. Integrated with the basement’s programs below, the shaded spaces are carved out of lush green for outdoor recreation and communication, serving both the passengers and people living and working in this high-density development area.
The existing plaza is opened up to create better conversation between the street and the building. Taxodium distichum is introduced to bring bright fall colors to the space
The existing pedestrian overpass is renovated with a new accessible path, creating equal crossing opportunities for people at a range of ability levels
A continuous green corridor, separated from traffic, is created along the road, improving the spatial quality of the street as well as providing more recreational opportunities for the community
Diverse programs are integrated in the park-like space to serve adjacent residents. Ceiba speciosa is planted to celebrate the energetic atmosphere
Taking advantage of the wide sidewalk and adjacent retail, the design enhances interaction between the developments and public space
Retail protrudes into the street via urban balconies. Street life is catalyzed between the street and buildings, with diverse interaction at multiple levels
For more information contact Mark Dawson.
