Dutch architecture firm MVRDV has unveiled plans for the Bihailou Art Village in Shenzhen. The new 6,500-square-metre cultural complex sits in the Shatoujiao neighborhood near the Hong Kong border and features a stack of distinct, colorful volumes. Instead of consolidating all functions into one large structure, the studio opted for individual buildings tailored to specific uses.
Each volume in the complex has its own entrance and operates independently, allowing for flexible opening hours across the site. The buildings are linked by an external network of stairs, ramps, and escalators. The design creates a vertical village that references the colors, shapes, and materials found in the surrounding area.
Programming includes a museum, retail spaces, and a double-height performance theater. The theater space is equipped with retractable chairs to allow for quick conversion into an exhibition hall. The ground level is surrounded by a landscaped plaza that provides shaded outdoor areas.
Roof terraces sit atop the individual blocks, offering open space for public use. The project aims to blend into its local context by remixing architectural elements from neighboring buildings. MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas stated that the design relies on simple functions paired with complex arrangements to serve the community.