(Text by Abalos+Sentkiewicz)

The scheme drawn up by AS+ for Dongguan Binhai Cultural District is an innovative technical, cultural, and environmental composite that orchestrates and combines natural and industrial resources to come up with forms, materials, strategic orientations and enclosures, and natural and artificial spaces which are comfortable all year, placed above and below ground. The district thus becomes a highly advanced and sustainable experience where the great creavity of local photovoltaic and glass industries is a centerpiece.

Competition. The first phase resulted in this shortlist: Abalos+Sentkiewicz, Henning Larsen, Snöhetta, MVRDV, Urbasus. In the second, it boiled down to Ábalos+Sentkiewicz and Henning Larsen. Here the competition organizers – the regional authorities of Dongguan – allowed siting closer to the sea and a height exceeding the 60 meters imposed in the initial phase. The definitive designs were submitted about two months ago, and a final decision is pending.