FOLLOW THE RED METAL ROAD

An elevated path forms a red beacon to citizens, calling them to play in the city of Shenzhen.

Sprawling across 600 hectares, The Sports & Forest Park in the Guangming district of Shenzhen in China showcases the harmonious way in which urban and natural landscapes can be intertwined. A green network within the city, this public space sets new standards for recreation and relaxation in an urban environment.

Commissioned in response to the exploding technology industry in the Shenzhen metro area, the project reflects a strong policy of nature preservation required to counteract rapid urbanisation in the region. Its emphasis on health, sports and nature is an ecological counterpoint to the dense urban setting.

A collaboration between LOLA Landscape Architects, TALLER Architects and Land and Civilization Compositions (LCC), the most prominent feature of the park is a serpentine red path that rises above the greenspaces. Providing ample cycling and walking space, the elevated walkway aids access to neighbouring forests as well as views over the city to the mountains beyond.

Functioning as a transitional space between the city of Guangming and the forest reserve, Forest & Sports Park reflects the technological and entrepreneurial innovation of the city itself. Centred on two research and development centres occupied with sports and botany, the park reflects a “constant evolution and diversification”.

The first phase of the park includes an elevated pathway, entrance plaza and forest area. The second phase, to be completed in 2022, will include five multi-sports fields, a nursery loop, a botanical research and development centre and a sports centre.

Defined by a network of paths and trails, the central loop through the park traverses a plant and tree nursery, while within the natural forest setting visitors are able to explore new and forgotten sports. A diverse landscape forms a natural backdrop to the sports and leisure facilities, over which soars the ubiquitous elevated red path. “It is a scenic route that goes through different atmospheres and passes by multiple points of interest. It also functions like a pedestrian highway, with rhythmic exits and no steep slopes,” explains LCC.

Situated along the length of the walkway, a series of pavilions housing restaurants, forest cabins, viewing platforms and public facilities reside, offering extensive amenity to park users. Each pavilion is architecturally unique and was prefabricated offsite in order to minimise environmental impact. Set on stilts, the structures free up ground space and limit the impact on the landscape below.

An award-winning design, the Forest & Sports Park won Best Landscape Design at the World Landscape Awards (WLA) in 2020. Judges praised it for its “fresh approach and [for] being highly attentive to local ecology [while] incorporating romantic techniques and realistic urban visions”.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Guangming District Government
Location Shenzhen, China
Design Collaboration LOLA Landscape Architects, TALLER Architects, and Land and Civilization Compositions
Images LOLA & TALLER & L+CC


COMPANY
LOLA Landscape Architects
W  lola.land
TALLER Architects
W  tallerarchitects.com
Land and Civilization Compositions
W  landandcc.com