Reimagining Shenzhen's Waterfront

Reimagining Shenzhen's Waterfront: 10 Design Unveils Ambitious Urban Renewal Plan for Yantian Old Market Town

International architecture practice 10 Design (part of Egis’ Architecture Line) is pleased to unveil its latest winning proposal for the Yantian Old Market Town Urban Renewal Project in Shenzhen, China. Embracing Yantian Old Market Town's rich history and natural beauty, the design sets out a captivating blueprint for a world-class waterfront destination, as well as setting a new standard for sustainable coastal living.

Nestled along the tranquil inner bay of Starling Inlet, Yantian Old Market Town boasts a prime waterfront location near Shenzhen's Yantian Container Terminal. With a rich history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, the area has long been celebrated for its thriving local fisheries and reputation as a seafood lover's paradise. Yantian Old Market Town also serves as a gateway to nature, offering access to numerous hiking trails and popular urban retreats.

Driven by the need to enhance the quality of life for residents, the 96,654 square-meter master plan presents a fresh perspective on urban development. By integrating new attractions and public spaces, the plan fosters organic growth while preserving the area's rich cultural legacy and natural resources. With a commitment to serving the public interest, the development aspires to become a 'Super Anchor' for the region, capitalizing on its rich history and abundant resources to create a dynamic, thriving community and a premier waterfront destination.

Strategic key attractions and interfaces are pinpointed in the masterplan, guiding the development of traffic flow and urban infrastructure for future growth. These focal points serve as anchors for a diverse range of experiences, catering to visitors with diverse interests and lifestyles. By thoughtfully curating leisure, entertainment, cultural, and culinary offerings throughout the public walkways, the design team ensures a captivating and enriching journey of discovery for all who explore this vibrant destination.

“Our vision is to foster connection between the mountains and the sea, people and nature, business and the community,” shares Design Principal Peby Pratama, “by rediscovering and preserving the rich cultural and landscape resources of Old Market Town, we’re opening a new window of growth in the region. The revitalized development isn't solely focused on attracting tourists; it's fundamentally designed to foster a thriving, sustainable community for residents and businesses alike.”

Towering elegantly along the waterfront, an iconic architectural masterpiece, stands as a visual icon, welcoming visitors who arrive by sea. Drawing inspiration from the container terminals' portainers, four high-rise residential towers are interconnected by a skydeck at above 100 meters. This innovative design creates the illusion of a 'floating city' against the horizon. While partially serving as a private club facility for residents, the skydeck also offers public access via separate lifts, ensuring that this unique space can be enjoyed by all.

The landmark building also serves as a central hub for the entire community, seamlessly connecting to the nearby metro station via a vibrant 'Festival Street' that efficiently guides pedestrian traffic from the street-level retail spaces to the picturesque waterfront. Adjacent to a bustling seafood wholesale market, the podium mall houses a diverse array of seafood restaurants and interactive retail shops, providing visitors with a truly immersive and authentic sea-to-table dining experience that showcases the region's rich maritime heritage.

Open terraces are transformed into a series of elevated decks, extending southward to the sea. Deviating from the form of a conventional coastline, the floating decks accommodate a multitude of public amenities. The expansive waterfront area features a variety of amenities, including a public pier, a floating pool, a water theatre, and multi-level observation decks, and fishing platforms. These versatile spaces are designed to accommodate a range of public gatherings and festive events, fostering an inclusive and immersive biophilic experience that encourages interaction with the natural environment.

A series of cultural and art spaces are dotted along the promenade, further enriching the experience. The revitalization plan also encompasses the neighboring fishing village, where aging structures will be transformed into a vibrant leisure and retail district. The area will feature exhibition and performance spaces, boutique stores, hotels, bars, and restaurants, infusing the district with energy and fostering a lively nightlife scene. In keeping with the intimate scale and charm of the existing village, the design encourages exploration along the narrow alleys and typhoon shelter, immersing visitors in the idyllic ambiance and traditional culture of coastal fishing communities.