MVRDV's latest project, the Bihailou Art Village in Shenzhen, is a testament to the firm's innovative approach to urban design. This mixed-use cultural hub, spanning 6,500 square meters, is a refreshing take on the vertical village concept, first envisioned by MVRDV and The Why Factory over a decade ago. The project's essence lies in its ability to blend density with humanity, a stark contrast to the monolithic tower developments that dominate Shenzhen's skyline.
What makes this project particularly fascinating is how it challenges the notion that density and humanity are mutually exclusive. MVRDV's design philosophy, as exemplified by Winy Maas, emphasizes the joy of contradictions. The Bihailou Art Village appears spectacular from afar, but upon closer inspection, it reveals an intimate and diverse array of spaces. This design is not merely a collection of individual functions; it's a carefully crafted remix of the surrounding village, incorporating its colors, materials, and shapes.
One of the key strengths of the Bihailou Art Village is its emphasis on public circulation. The project transforms stairs, ramps, escalators, terraces, and bridges into an extension of the public realm. Each program, from the theater to the museum, occupies its own 'house' with an independent entrance, allowing for flexible operation schedules. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also fosters a sense of community and social interaction.
The building's visual language is deeply rooted in its surroundings. MVRDV's team has skillfully referenced the colors, materials, and rooflines of neighboring buildings in Shatoujiao, as well as the former Bihailou restaurant that once occupied the site. This contextual sensitivity adds a layer of richness and uniqueness to the design, making it more than just a collection of volumes.
The project also revisits the central ambition behind the original Vertical Village proposal. By questioning the increasing uniformity of rapidly densifying Asian cities, MVRDV has proposed an urban model where individuality, daylight, neighborhood identity, and density can coexist. The Bihailou Art Village adapts these principles to a civic and commercial program, using architectural fragmentation to create distinct identities for different uses while maintaining a connected public network.
The emphasis on accessibility extends to the roofscape as well. Visitors move through gaps between the stacked volumes, eventually reaching a series of publicly accessible terraces that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the Shenzhen skyline, and the bay. At ground level, deep overhangs provide shaded gathering spaces, while new landscaping merges with the existing public plaza, reinforcing the building's role as a neighborhood destination.
In my opinion, the Bihailou Art Village is a powerful statement on the potential of urban design to create vibrant, inclusive, and human-centric spaces. It challenges the notion that density is synonymous with monotony and isolation. Instead, it proposes a more porous urban structure where circulation, program, and public access are reorganized to foster a sense of community and social interaction. This project is a testament to the power of design to reimagine our cities and create a more sustainable and livable future.
