Designed by architecture studio RMJM Shenzhen, the New Pingshan Eye will act as an iconic landmark and a gateway into Pingshan New District.
In the fall of 2019, Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) commissioned the architects of studio RMJM Shenzhen to design a new iconic landmark gateway development into Pingshan New District. Located on a cleared site to the main route from Shenzhen to Pingshan, the design is intended to become the centerpiece of the new gateway developments that will define and complete the neighborhood’s eccentric and historic character.
The architectural design focuses on solving the two paradoxical concepts of openness and containment. The studio developed the architectural concept of “The Eyes of Pingshan” as a unique visual feature that looks to the future of Shenzhen and at the same time seems to peel off the facades to expose the buildings inside. The eye-shaped ornaments, which are strikingly carved into the upper and middle facades of the 250-meter-high main tower and around the tower entrances, are reproduced in the form of an unusual visual metaphor for the topic of “openness”. On the other hand, the concept of “Enclosure” is achieved by placing several open outdoor areas above street level, creating a sense of security and protection from the busy world outside the complex. The connection between openness and containment can be found at the inviting spaces on the ground floor and the entrances that lead to them.
The main focus of the complex at street level is the “Eyes of Pingshan”. However, when people enter the complex, they are taken on a journey through several levels to the central rooftop courtyard in the heart of the complex. A hidden gem is revealed to you here. Hidden from the prying eyes on the street below and above the courtyard is a cultural cloud, a unique and iconic feature that distinguishes this development from others. This central monument, which was designed as a versatile cultural facility, becomes an independent attraction due to its unconventional shape and special facade material.
As a complex city project with mixed uses, RMJM’s architectural design had to address a variety of requirements at both macro and micro levels. The OCT master plan required the development of a target solution that combines a wide range of elements from 5-star hotels, high standard offices, commercial facilities, events, state institutions, routes to local neighborhoods, and a fully integrated public transportation hub and train station—all in a fully accessible multi-level landscape.
“By integrating technologies, developing smart and sustainable innovations, and utilizing our materials we can produce buildings with physical longevity, while our dedication to devising aesthetically and tactually interesting projects offers them cultural longevity too.” — Hua Yang, Design Director RMJM Shenzhen
All images © by RMJM Shenzhen. Whether private or public project, feel free to discover other inspiring architectural design solutions in our extensive Architecture category.
Subscribe to our newsletter!