In Shenzhen’s Longhua District, the firm headed by the Italian architect Stefano Boeri will be building a rehabilitation center for people with cognitive disabilities and mobility limitations, having won the competition called for the purpose, in the jury of which sat Peter Cook and Sou Fujimoto.

Featuring terraces covered with vegetation, including aromatic and medicinal herbs, the center harbors work spaces and educational, recreational, artistic, and sports activities as well as a museum and living accommodations. At the heart of the construction, a public open courtyard acts as connector of the functional areas. Using the therapeutic powers of plants and nature, a roof garden grows native species. The building incorporates systems for producing renewable energy and takes advantage of natural ventilation and accumulated rainwater.