Project

Shenshan is located on the coast east of Shenzhen and faces severe challenges due to climate change, including rising sea levels, storm surges, and ecological degradation. The “Nature as Leverage” project proposes an urban design strategy that uses natural systems as the foundation for development. The plan covers an area of 102 km² and integrates coastal protection, ecological restoration, and resilient infrastructure with new urban development. The strategy is based on three layers: ecological safety, resilient mobility, and productive landscape. By leveraging natural processes, the project aims to create a new model of sustainable coastal urbanism that enhances both human and ecological resilience.

Client

Shenshan Administration, Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality

Program

102 km² coastal urban design

Stages

2020 Design Competition – 1st Prize

Team

MLA+, OKRA, IBR

Awards

2020 IFLA AAPME Outstanding Award,
2020 GBA Urban Design Award,
2023 UN-Habitat Compendium