Construction of the 165,815-sq-m Yidan Center, containing areas for academic research, cultural events and exhibitions in Shenzhen, has topped out.
The building’s design by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) is inspired by the surrounding canyons and mountains which have been used as travel routes for centuries.
The facility has terraces and balconies overlooking a central outdoor “canyon” which blurs the definition between interior and exterior.
Gardens lead visitors to the canyon’s base, with views of the geologic architectural formations overhead and a large oculus skylight underneath that allows people to view the indoor public spaces from above.
The project has been designed to meet LEED Gold certification, with the centre’s external louvres providing solar shading and allowing natural light into the interiors.
The Yidan Prize was founded in 2016 by Tencent founder Dr Charles Chen Yidan for educational research. The new building will host the annual competition when completed.
The project is located close to the Qianhai Museum, forming part of Shenzhen’s new cultural quarter.
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