Zhuhai - the Pearl of China
At the end of 2015 architectural firm 10 DESIGN based in Hong Kong won two architectural competitions held in the city of Zhuhai. The first project involves a large-scale transformation of one of the most prominent sites in southern China – the Core of Zhuhai City Heart, and the second one – design of commercial center in the hightech area. 10 DESIGN engaged in development of a number of other projects for this South Chinese city, which for many years contributing to progress in its renewal.
Zhuhai is a prefecture-level city on the southern coast of Guangdong province, located in the Pearl River Delta. It is situated on 146 scenic islands, which pristine landscapes prove its status of the most romantic city of China, given to it by the Chinese media. It is a major industrial and cultural center, where many sightseers and parks, which definitely attract both business and leisure travelers. In addition, Zhuhai borders the Macao Special Administrative Region, where are numerous casinos, and on the other side of the Pearl River is located Hong Kong. Thanks to its prime geographical location and status of a special economic zone, Zhuhai is one of the most rapidly developing cities in China.
New City Core
10 DESIGN won approval to transform the Core of Zhuhai City into a new landmark metropolis in November 2015. Fourteen other international architects were involved in this invited competition including Gensler, NBBJ, and HAS Architects to name a few.
The Core of Zhuhai City Heart is a large urban mixed use development of GFA 1.4 million sqm located in Jida District. This is one of the prime areas where the Zhuhai Municipality has major development plans for in preparation for the completion of the Hong Kong- Zhuhai-Macau Bridge by Q4 2017. The client of the project, Huafa Group – a leading real estate developer in China with headquarters in Zhuhai, has played a significant role in helping to shape the new landscape of the city. They are also the developer of the surrounding sites to the North and South of The Core of Zhuhai City Heart (Zhuhai Heart District and Nanshan District respectively) amongst others.
The jury commented that in response to Huafa’s vision, 10’s winning design approach introduced a central plaza and a series of interconnected garden spaces throughout the sites to succinctly unify the development and provide unique and lively spaces activated by retail and F&B, allowing much needed open space for the area. This way, the design embraces a holistic mixed use centre, where residential, commercial, and leisure seamlessly weave into the urban setting rather than in segregations.
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Materials provided by 10 DESIGN