Culture and commerce in China's Special Economic Zone : an experiment in design and development

Abstract

Improvements in the real estate environment in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone have been conducive to development and foreign investment. Based on a projected market demand, a mixed-use development in the theme of a Cultural Village is proposed. The development takes the form of a public-private partnership that provides expatriates' housing, art-oriented retail and a public art gallery. Revenue from the private development, together with donation from a philanthropic foundation, funds the construction and operation of the public art gallery for the local residents as well as tourists. The design exploration focuses on Chinese garden design as a precedent and form generator for modem art exhibition spaces. Since art collections have traditionally been displayed in private residences, art gallery as a public building is an emerging concept in China. The goal of the project is to provide a cultural awareness and a unique shopping experience in a quality environment for the creation of residential land value.