Project

Project Introduction

Cultural facilities (libraries, complex facilities) / Research facilities / Accommodation facilities / Overseas projects

Shenzhen Xiaomeisha New Ocean World (Shenzhen Aquarium)<br>high-end resort hotel

Shenzhen Xiaomeisha area New Ocean World (Shenzhen Aquarium) & high-end resort hotel

In recent years, Shenzhen, China, has rapidly developed into a high-tech city, while its coastal areas also possess the character of a resort city. This project was planned as a key element of a new urban strategy centered on tourism, in addition to the appeal of such a cutting-edge city.

The aquarium, hotel, and commercial facilities are connected both inside and outside the site by pedestrian decks, creating a circulation flow like ocean currents moving through the South China Sea, with the aim of revitalizing activities across the entire area.

Shenzhen faces the South China Sea. Drawing inspiration from these ocean currents and the energy and potential of the city of Shenzhen, we proposed a dynamic, vortex-like architectural form. This vortex shape incorporates the exhibition program, visitor circulation, and support circulation, and combined with a rational structural spatial organization, it serves as a form that achieves the "simultaneity of architecture, structure, and exhibition program."

Passing through an entrance that feels like a deep-sea cavern, visitors are greeted by a gigantic cylindrical tank themed after the world's deepest blue hole in the South China Sea. From here, visitors can access three giant, spirally connected themed tanks. Each tank also focuses on environmental enrichment (animal welfare), aiming to fuse new architectural spaces with exhibitions.

  • Kenji Itose

    Kenji Itose

    Joined the company in 2010

    Tokyo 1st Office, 1st Design Department

    Architectural Design: From competitions to working drawings

    The shape is derived from function and circulation, but I believe it will also be an aquarium-like architecture that embodies symbolism. It is a project with a remarkably short period from competition to completion, but this is the pace of China today. Being able to contribute to a new urban strategy is an exciting experience.

  • Seiji Saito

    Seiji Saito

    Joined the company in 2017

    Tokyo 1st Office, 1st Design Department

    Architectural Design: In charge from competition to basic design

    This is the project I was suddenly involved in back when I was a newcomer. With no idea which way was up, I developed the plan while being amazed by a scale that felt like planning an entire city. I also experienced collaborating with outside experts and was able to gain a lot of learning.

  • Lin Ying-lan

    Lin Ying-lan

    Joined the company in 2017

    Tokyo 1st Office, 1st Design Department

    Architectural Design: In charge of everything from basic design to working drawings.

    Working on an international facility as my first project after joining the company was a very exciting experience. There are times when it's tough to keep up with the client's pace, but if you fall behind, you get left that much further behind. I approach the design work with that kind of tension.

  • Tomohiro Watanabe

    Tomohiro Watanabe

    Joined the company in 1995

    Structural Design Office, Engineering Division

    Structural engineering: From competition to working design

    Having a symbolic form requires an equally bold structural proposal. A pedestrian deck runs around the perimeter, and there is a huge aquarium in the center. To support this kind of structure, we proceeded with our studies through repeated analysis.

  • Hirofumi Shimojo

    Hirofumi Shimojo

    Joined the company in 1989

    Environmental Design Office, Technical Headquarters

    Environment and Mechanical: From competition to detailed design

    At an aquarium, what matters just as much as the visitors are the animals kept there. We repeatedly discussed how facility planning should be approached specifically for a venue with giant tanks, and we poured our efforts into achieving a balance between dynamic exhibitions and a comfortable environment for the animals.

Contact

For project inquiries and consultations,
You can contact us from here.