MAD architects' shenzhen culture park enters final construction phase before 2025 opening

MAD architects’ shenzhen bay culture park nears completion

MAD Architects announces the imminent completion of Shenzhen Bay Culture Park, a major cultural complex in China’s Nanshan district. Spanning 51,000 square meters with a total building area of 182,000 square meters, the complex integrates the Creative Design Hall, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, and a public green space along the waterfront (find designboom’s previous coverage here). The project, entering its final construction phase, contrasts the fast-paced development of Shenzhen with the serenity of the oceanfront. With an opening date set for September 2025, the park is expected to become a landmark destination for civic engagement, exhibitions, and performances.

all images via @qun_dang and @madarchitects

the cultural complex integrates multiple cultural uses

Initially announced in 2020 with a projected completion date of 2023, the park is set for a grand opening in September, 2025. The news was shared on Instagram by Dang Qun, principal partner at MAD, who expressed excitement over the final construction phase. ‘It’s incredible to see this project take shape with the final touches coming together for its September completion,’ the architect expresses. ‘Grateful to everyone who has been part of making this vision a reality—can’t wait to see it come to life!’

The design by the Beijing-based studio is characterized by a sweeping green plaza and combines exhibition halls, educational spaces, a library, an auditorium, a theater, and commercial areas, all sunken into the terrain. The park’s sloping green roofs and recessed courtyards create a multi-dimensional public space. Framing the park, the north and south pavilions stand as monumental stone-like structures, reflecting Shenzhen’s rapid urban growth and the tranquil expanse of the sea. Inside, the museum spaces are designed to accommodate large-scale installations, multimedia exhibitions, and performances, with skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows inviting natural light and views of the surrounding park. As one of ten new cultural projects spearheaded by Shenzhen, the Shenzhen Bay Culture Park signals the ambition of the city to establish itself as a global center for arts.

MAD Architects announces the imminent completion of Shenzhen Bay Culture Park

the complex spans 51,000 square meters with a total building area of 182,000 square meters

integrating the Creative Design Hall, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, and a green space

the north and south pavilions stand as monumental stone-like structures

the museum spaces are designed to accommodate large-scale installations, multimedia exhibitions, and performances

skylights invite natural light and views of the surrounding park

the park is set for a grand opening in September 2025

project info:

name: Shenzhen Bay Culture Park 

architect: MAD Architects | @madarchitects

location: Shenzhen, China

time: 2018–2025

site area: approx. 51,000 square meters

building area: 182,000 square meters

principal partners-in-charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano

associate partners-in-charge: Kin Li, Tiffany Dahlen

design team: Li Cunhao, Zhang Chao, Neeraj Mahajan, Sun Shouquan, Zhang Yaohui, Huang Jinkun, Maria Corella, Kenji Hada, Lin Zi Han, Yu Lin, Yan Ran, Chen Yi-en, Liu Hailun, Pittayapa Suriyapee, Lei Kaiyun, Alessandro Fisalli, Edgar Navarrete S., Haruka Tomoeda, Lu Zihao

executive architect: East China Architectural Design and Research Institute

structural consultant: Arup Engineering Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Branch

facade consultant: RFR (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

interior design: Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Decoration & Landscape Design Research Institute Co., Ltd.

lighting design: Beijing NingXhiJing Lighting Design Co., Ltd.

signage design: Kenya Hara (Nippon Design Center)

acoustic design: Guangdong Qiyuan Architectural Engineering Design Institute Co., Ltd.

traffic consultant: Paimeng Transportation Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

traffic assessment: China Urban Development Institute Co., Ltd.