Building Investment (May-June 2021)

INFRASTRUCTURE
Artist impression.
(Source: Grimshaw)
Artist impression.
(Source: Grimshaw)
Artist impression.
(Source: Grimshaw)
materials efficiently and maximises repetition of components.
The design was inspired by the Mangrove tree, which has
special significance for the city of Shenzhen and is one of the
planet’s most effective carbon absorbers. The team developed a
strong set of design principles enabling a harmonious and unique
development delivering operational, experiential and ecological
excellence.
The natural form of the tree’s diverse root eco-system,
which thrives where waterways converge, inspired the journey
passengers will take, both above and below ground, landside and
airside, while its bio-diversity will be in harmony with the hub’s
exciting mix of uses.
Jolyon Brewis, a Grimshaw partner, said: “We are often
inspired by the transfer of geometries and forms from nature
into architecture. We have applied this approach to the master
plan and interchange design at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, which
is directly inspired by the mangrove tree. Not only does this have
symbolic value as an important tree to Shenzhen, but it has led us
to a solution for the building that is highly efficient. It will also be
a wonderful place for people to occupy and travel through. We
hope it will lift the spirits of millions of Shenzhen citizens, as well
as those who visit this incredible city.”
Atelier Ten Director Dave Richards also commented that “this
competition winning proposal builds on work that we have been
doing with the team at Grimshaw for many years on biophilia,
form and skin to ‘manage’ comfort and expectations through
the manipulation of light, sun and air in the in-between spaces
that transport interchanges generate. The evocation of biophilic
influence through the underlying mangrove forms serves to
reinforce the connection to nature in this very busy city. We look
forward to developing and evolving this LEED Platinum project
with Grimshaw and the rest of the team in the months ahead.”
(Source: grimshaw.global / archdaily.com)
22 May-June 2021 | www.b-i.biz