Characterized by slender branched columns and an undulating roof, the transport interchange at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is modeled on mangrove trees, which have symbolic value in this Chinese city, evoking their roots.

The scheme drawn up by a consortium led by Grimshaw – in collaboration with the engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald – was selected over entries by the likes of Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, and BIG.

Designed with a view to obtaining the certifications for energy performance, the facility will connect the airport terminals to the high-speed train and other transport modes.

The Shenzhen Airport East Integrated Transport Hub is one of a series of constructions that the city recently announced. Others are the Innovation and Creative Design Institute by Dominique Perrault, the Maritime Museum by SANAA, the Conservatory of Music by Miralles Tagliabue EMBT, and the Opera House by Jean Nouvel.