RONALD LU & PARTNERS ANNOUNCES PINGHU HUB – A GREEN, TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT IN SHENZHEN CHINA

November 2021, China: Award-winning architecture practice Ronald Lu & Partners (RLP), known for its human-centric and future-ready designs, has just added a comprehensive masterplan in Shenzhen’s Pinghu District to its expanding portfolio of pioneering projects in China’s Greater Bay Area.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in the Greater Bay Area through the Pinghu Hub design project. Our work continues to uphold our people-centric development philosophy which raises the quality of life and convenience for residents living in connected cities. Our goal is to design biophilic neighbourhoods which connect high-density urban environments with world-class public amenities.” ​ Bryant Lu, Vice Chairman of Ronald Lu & Partners

A multi-functional and highly efficient “urban engine” incorporating biophilic design principles, Pinghu Hub is the latest green architecture and transit-oriented development (TOD) scheme in Shenzhen, an important part of the overall development strategy for the Greater Bay Area, and another step towards China's ultimate goal of being carbon neutral by 2060.

One of the four key cities in the Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen has the largest number of people entering and exiting and the largest traffic volume in all of China. RLP aims to focus on these millions of movements through Pinghu Hub, an integrated transportation, commercial and residential development with an efficient public transportation exchange that uses sophisticated pedestrian and vehicle systems and incorporates an advanced five-line railway.

TOD is currently a major focus in countries across Asia. Its benefits include a significant decrease in congestion and emissions, due to shifts to low-carbon modes of transport and infrastructure that embrace walkability and natural landscapes. Residents enjoy enhanced socio-economic status brought by meticulous spatial planning – the result of employment, housing, services, and amenities being clustered around major public transport facilities. A recognised expert in this field, RLP was appointed to drive the Pinghu Hub project due to their pioneering approach and deep TOD experience – the firm previously participated in over 45 rail-related projects involving 94 transportation stations.

Pinghu Hub incorporates RLP’s revolutionary “TOD 4.0” concept which considers the connections and efficiencies of transportation nodes and the wider city context, while also paying close attention to the wellbeing of users. As such, Pinghu will be centred around the idea of community and the promotion of a low-carbon, sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

The Pinghu Hub mega-complex, spanning approximately 1.08 million sq.m., will act as a model neighbourhood, decreasing daily journeys and encouraging community building through its diverse land uses, including ecological and leisure features, high residential, office and commercial densities, and a well-connected public transport network that will be accessible to all. One of its key attributes is the biophilic design approach. Greenery – including a green valley, green mountain, light courtyard, and sweeping highline park – has been incorporated throughout the development and fills every possible space to encourage outdoor recreational activities.

Ultimately, this project promotes regional urban renewal, industrial transformation and improved environmental quality. Already deemed the “Northern Gateway”, the Pinghu Hub is set to become a business and cultural destination, and a generator for city expansion that will connect with the Pinghu Financial Base and attract a new generation of residents to suburban Shenzhen.

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