mecanoo has completed a linear red building in shenzhen that measures 400 meters in length (1,312 feet). the ?longgang cultural centre?, which broke ground in 2014, is the dutch firm?s first completed project in mainland china. sitting on a long and narrow site with strict height restrictions, the building connects the surrounding areas by subdividing the program into separate volumes. the passages between these structures, which align with the adjacent roads, provide access from the new business district on the west side of the building to the park on the east.

all images © zhang chao
 
 
mecanoo has designed the volumes with curved edges and tilting façades, which frame views, shelter public squares, and naturally guide pedestrian flows. the fluid forms also channel air currents and provide protection against the sun and rain in shenzhen?s subtropical climate. ?by sharing the same formal language, height and material, the volumes form a visually cohesive whole without an apparent front or back façade,? explain the architects.
 
 
offering a varied cultural program, the project contains four main programmatic elements: an art museum, a youth centre, a science centre, and a book mall. the science centre focuses on popular science for children and young adults, while next to it, the youth centre offers a place for meeting and extracurricular activities such as music and sport. the art museum combines public arts on the upper floors with an urban planning centre on ...