Value Factory, Shenzhen, China

The transformation of an old glass factory into an exhibition area with exhibition spaces, the so-called “Value Factory”, hosts the Shenzen and Hong Kong Bi-city Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture. This event is seen as a first step to sustainably transform this location into a creative hub.

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As part of an international team of architects, we designed the transformation of an old glass factory into the Value Factory, the venue for the Shenzen, Hong Kong Bi-city Biennlae of Urbanism and Architecture. This event is seen as a first step to sustainably transform this location into a creative hub. At an early stage, we analyzed the location together with curator Ole Bouman and established a toolbox with design principles. On this basis, the design principles for the location and the principle details for the various buildings were determined in a multi-day on-site workshop with 15 architects.

The special location and its future had to be in the foreground more than the content of the biennale, as with a usual biennale. Strengthening the experience of the factory as an industrial heritage was the priority. Existing qualities found in each building have been enhanced with minimal interventions. The implementation was then provided by local architectural firms, which were also part of the workshops. This approach has been awarded the Organizing Committee award.

The principle of Urban Mining has been applied to the design of the open space. Stacks of scaffolding planks and manhole covers lying around have been transformed into paving, reinforcing the rough industrial character of the place. An industrial urban farm has also been added, where schools and other visitors can garden.

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Client: Shenzen, Hong Kong Bi-city Biennlae of Urbanism and Architecture Location: Shenzen Status: realized Collaboration: Zetao Chen, Anssi Lassila, Pedro Rivera, Lua Nitsche, Jianxiang He, Ying Jiang, Doreen Liu, Milena Zaklanovic, Marc Maurer, Teemu Hirvilammi, Shantanu Poredi, Thomas Odorico, John van de Water, Aleksandar Joksimovic and Michael Patte