Project implementation: China
Project development: China
Rapid urbanization is undoubtedly a double-edged sword. While it brings economic and demographic dividends, the excessive pace of spatial development and population growth has led to severe land shortages. Population growth has overwhelmed public infrastructure and support systems, creating significant imbalances. Issues such as energy and water shortages, coupled with overburdened environmental capacity, directly impact the quality of public life and the city's sustainable future.
This exhibition presents five representative, research-driven design projects by NODE Architecture & Urbanism over the past few years in Shenzhen. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of NODE's "non-typical" creative practice in urban renewal and infrastructure publicization, emphasizing the ontological exploration of architecture. Additionally, the exhibition includes a research project by the Greater Bay Area Innovation Design Lab titled "Water and Urbanization: The Case of Shenzhen," which addresses issues related to land, water infrastructure, and the interconnection of public spaces. This project offers both a systematic reflection on water environments at regional and urban scales and design perspectives for future solutions to related crises.
Doreen Heng LIU, Founder and Principal of NODE Architecture & Urbanism (NODE), holds a Chartered Architectural Diploma from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); a Doctor of Design from Harvard University; and is a Fellow of the Architectural Society of China. LIU and her studio NODE are based in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and have been pursuing diverse architectural and urban design practices in the PRD and the wider region for years. Since September 2020, she has been appointed a Full Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Shenzhen University and Director of the Greater Bay Area Innovation Design Lab.
NODE Architecture & Urbanism was established in 2004. As one of the most influential independent architectural practices in southern China, it has received widespread attention at home and abroad. Focusing on urban space and public life, it insists on ontological research and practice, pursues innovation based on rigorous pragmatism, and explores the inherent logic of architectural concepts regarding openness and compatibility. Through interdisciplinary interaction and stimulation, the studio maintains its forward-looking and experimental nature in architectural design practice.
Shenzhen University The Greater Bay Area Innovation Design Lab was officially established in 2021. Founded by Doreen Heng Liu, the lab is a pioneer in research and design in the current GBA and global urbanization. Through design-oriented research methods and an interdisciplinary approach, combining teaching, exhibitions, publications, academic conferences, experimental design practice, and research and development, the GBA Lab is dedicated to cross-disciplinary integration and the exploration of innovative, human-centered solutions to contemporary urban and rural spatial problems.
Project Team: NODE Architecture & Urbanism
1 Yong-chong River Lock: Doreen Heng Liu, Jiebin Huang, Youzhi Wang
2 KU Landscape: Memories on the Ground: Doreen Heng Liu, Yijuan Wu, Liu Yang, Zanning Huang, Zhang Shihan, Xu Jingyue, Ruan Yiling, Ni Xiaoyi, Peng Ziqi (Intern)
3 Shenzhen Lotus Water Culture Base: Doreen Heng Liu, Jiebin Huang, Zanning Huang, Liu Yang, Xu Jingyue, Lin Xiaohong, Huang Junhao, Yang Jiahui, Xu Zhibo, Lu Qingsong, Zhou Yupeng
Interns: Lu Weimin, Zeng Shuya, Wang Manzhi, Tang Yueyu, Li Xin, Tian Haoyuan
4 Pingshan High School Pedestrian Bridge: Doreen Heng Liu, Jiebin Huang, Yijuan Wu, Zhang Shihan
5 Pingshan Terrace: Doreen Heng Liu, Jiebin Huang, Zhang Shihan, Lian Chen, Lu Qingsong, Chang Xueshi (Intern)
Research Team: GBA Lab – The Greater Bay Area Innovation Design Lab, Shenzhen University
Director: Doreen Heng Liu
Si Liu, Yu Yan, Haoyang Wu
Research and Scenario Team: Fanrui Cheng, Weixin Chen, Junhao Zhang, Juncheng Zou, Yongkang Peng