NFU and SZU Advanced Technology Park / Jaeger and Partner Architects + sa_i

By Irina Vinnitskaya — Filed under: Cultural ,Education ,Mixed Use ,Urban Planning , China, Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd., Nanshan District, Saltans Architects_International, Shenzhen

Courtesy of Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. + Saltans Architects_International

Shenzhen based Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. and Chicago based saltans architects intl, ltd have collaborated on the winning design solution for the NanFanG University of Science & Technology and New Shenzhen University Technology Park.

The site for the competition is in the rapidly developing Nanshan Dashahe Innovation Corridor in Shenzhen, PRC and directly adjacent to the New Shenzhen University Campus and will comprise of R&D office and light manufacturing, IT incubator space, outsourcing facilities, and business support services. The concept for the master plan is an integral environment for entrepreneurs, researchers and students within an environment for technological innovation and discovery in an above ground building area of 528,000 m2.

Courtesy of Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. + Saltans Architects_International

The fundamental feature of the design is the integration of nature and the advancement of technology. Technology is the facilitator to the drawing out of the "truth" from nature, which, by the standards of the design team, should be nurtured and protected so that it may procure knowledge. Therefore, the natural landscape is maintained in the design proposal.

Courtesy of Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. + Saltans Architects_International

The master plan includes several buildings resting on the natural topographical features of Shenzhen and Nanshan District and the site in particular, notably individual hills and mountains, among which are an ancient burial mound hill. In addition, new landscapes are introduced to provide zones for programmatic elements that support the cultural development and the technological imperative of the design.

Courtesy of Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. + Saltans Architects_International

The technology campus is envisioned as The City of Discovery, Opportunity & Reward and is organized in a series of districts and key centers that reflect traditional and modern cities. The ancient burial mound is the heart of the campus and the surrounding four districts reflect their specific programmatic functions:

District of Inspiration – Entrepreneurship Incubator Center
District of Investigation –Medical Instruments & Meters
District of Knowledge – Entrepreneurship & Industrial District Service Center
District of Realization – Outsourcing Services

Courtesy of Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. + Saltans Architects_International

Although distinct, the four districts all maintain a dedication to public space and the city center – the Realm of Discovery. The "city center" is an element that is intended for use by all visitors, both for the University and the surrounding neighborhood. Technology Park is designed to become an extension of the city, a microcosm that opens the relationship of technology and nature beyond the University and into the community. The programmatic flexibility in the development of the site represents research and developmental facilities that are not closed off to the public and provide optimism for innovation and discovery in future generations.

Architects: Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd. / Saltans Architects_International, ltd
Location: Nanshan District, Shenzhen, ChinaPrincipals at Jaeger and Partner Architects, Ltd.: Johannes Jaeger, Wang Ling JiangPrincipal at Saltans Architects_Intl., ltd.: Janis J. Saltans, AIAClient: Nanshan District GovernmentProject Area: 528,000 sqmProject Year: 2010 (construction of Phase One will begin in autumn 2010)