Atlas Lantz Studio
Shenzhen
Universiade
i-Park
Shenzhen, China
2023
The proposal transforms the site into an integrated urban park defined by the concept of the “Longgang Cloud Nest,” a symbolic and spatial framework inspired by Shenzhen’s surrounding mountains, ocean, and atmospheric landscapes. The design establishes a layered environment that merges leisure, culture, ecology, and innovation into a unified civic experience. A multi-dimensional forest park creates immersive connections between landscape and architecture through biophilic strategies that extend from the ground plane to elevated environments, supported by a network of intelligent greenways and ecological corridors that enhance accessibility while strengthening biodiversity and environmental performance. At the center of the project, an urban view platform and sky gondola introduce a new civic vantage point, offering panoramic views of the city and reinforcing connections between the park and Longgang’s future development. The “Cloud Trail,” an intelligent mountain pathway system, weaves through the landscape to create immersive recreational and educational experiences while linking surrounding urban districts through a continuous network of movement.
Together, these interventions position Universiade i-Park as a next-generation civic landscape—one that integrates technology, ecology, and public life while shaping the evolving identity of Longgang District.
“An intelligent landscape where ecology, technology, and public life converge to shape Shenzhen’s future. A new model for the intelligent city—where landscape performs socially, ecologically, and technologically.”
The competition called for a comprehensive landscape and urban strategy capable of redefining the site as an ecological and intelligent urban park that responds to the district’s rapid growth. The design needed to enhance environmental performance, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant public space that supports cultural exchange, recreation, and scientific research.
Key objectives included integrating low-carbon infrastructure, strengthening connections to surrounding ecological corridors, and introducing smart technologies that enhance user experience and operational performance. The park was envisioned as a multi-dimensional landscape—one that connects city and nature, supports biodiversity, and establishes a distinctive civic identity for Longgang District.
The Longgang District Government of Shenzhen, one of China’s fastest-growing innovation centers, launched an international design tender to transform the Universiade i-Park site into a landmark ecological and cultural destination within the Shenzhen–Hong Kong International Science and Education City. Positioned within a rapidly developing district anchored by new educational, cultural, and sports institutions, the project reflects the municipality’s ambition to elevate environmental quality, strengthen urban identity, and attract global talent.
The client sought a future-oriented urban park that would integrate ecological restoration, smart infrastructure, and public life while supporting Longgang’s transformation into a global center for research, culture, and innovation.
The work presented here was completed during Andy Lantz’s tenure at RIOS where he led the practice as Global Creative Director & CEO. This project is a demonstration of that leadership either through the active participation in a paid commission with a client or the efforts associated with an invited or open competition.
Project Team:
Andy Lantz, Jason Shinoda, Chenliang Ma, Rongxin Tang, Danny Ortega, Haoran Liu, Simone Lapenta, Jenny Myers and Stan Su.
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