Ole Scheeren © Buro-OS
Located in the Houhai district, a strategic area within the original Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the campus bridges the city’s commercial centre and the scenic Shenzhen Bay waterfront. Houhai has become a focal point of Shenzhen’s urban evolution, known for its culture-led planning and human scale urbanism. Ole Scheeren’s design for the Houhai Hybrid Campus is a key component of the city’s ambition to merge urbanity with nature and redefine the quality of city life.
The Hybrid Campus comprises four towers distributed across four urban plots, spanning over 1.4 million square feet. The towers feature curvilinear forms that soften their scale and create a dynamic silhouette within Shenzhen’s skyline, while staggered interlocking volumes present a playful architectural rhythm.
The towers are connected by a three-dimensional promenade of elevated bridges, forming a ring that frames a central oasis. The architectural concept of the oasis introduces a layered circulation system, with a ground level and three elevated levels, offering a continuous park experience that blends nature and leisure. The connective band links the towers and integrates with Shenzhen’s multi-level pedestrian networks, creating a fluid, human-scale environment that is both bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly.
The Hybrid Campus is designed for 24-hour use by a multigenerational community, with each tower serving a distinct function – from flexible office spaces and co-living apartments to hotel rooms for short-term stays and serviced suites for long-term stays. A cultural venue anchors the campus, while the network of elevated walkways acts as a social connector, enabling seamless movement between the towers and their functions. Roof terraces and outdoor gathering spaces offer panoramic views of the city as well as the South China Sea and provide moments of respite, reinforcing the connection between people, nature, and the urban fabric.
Ecological designs are employed throughout the campus. Shaded walkways and natural ventilation, created through strategically carved massing, are complemented by fountains and reflective pools which not only regulate temperature but also enhance the sensory experience of the central oasis. The soft landscape incorporates a diverse tapestry of local species – including evergreens, flowering plants and trees – that respond to Shenzhen’s seasonal changes and contribute to biodiversity and human comfort.
