The first residents have moved into Grand Bayview Qianhai, an innovative residential development in Shenzhen, China, designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Foster + Partners. The project introduces a new building typology specifically tailored for professionals with intensive work-centered lifestyles, featuring two connected towers arranged in a distinctive fan-shaped configuration.
The 180-meter-tall twin towers are strategically positioned to optimize natural light and views while maximizing privacy on the outer radius and creating focused communal areas at the center of the development. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that residents enjoy both spectacular panoramic views of the city and a sense of community within the building complex.
Luke Fox, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, explained the design philosophy behind the project: "Our design responds to the unique needs of the tenants by carefully balancing privacy and exclusivity with a sense of community in a relaxed environment. The towers deliver shared terraces on every floor and offer spectacular views, while providing natural ventilation and controlled daylight. Lush greenery flows across the ground plane and through both towers, allowing occupants to reconnect with nature and find balance at the end of the working day."
The architectural design emphasizes sustainability and connection to nature throughout the development. A large semi-public garden links the two apartment buildings and connects seamlessly with adjacent green belts, extending the natural experience at ground level. On the second level, a specially designed deck integrates with Guiwan's elevated walkway network, creating a transitional space between neighboring sites and establishing a green urban oasis for public enjoyment.
As residents move through the buildings vertically, they encounter green terraces that provide shared communal spaces for relaxation across all levels. Soft landscaping on these terraces creates a calm and atmospheric arrival experience as residents step out from the elevators. The towers feature sky gardens that serve as shared spaces for all residents, offering spectacular city views and facilitating various activities including exercise classes and curated community events.
Each sky garden is designed as a triple-height space with sophisticated louver shading systems and extensive planting, creating a more private and exclusive atmosphere for residents. The individual residential units are designed with maximum flexibility in mind, allowing them to be combined in the future as residents' needs change or evolve.
The construction methodology prioritized efficiency and environmental responsibility. Modular construction techniques allowed for extensive prefabrication, which saved construction time while ensuring superior quality control throughout the building process. The project successfully reduced embodied carbon by minimizing concrete use during construction, with the entire superstructure above ground level constructed from lightweight steel that was fabricated in the nearby region.
Perry Ip, Partner at Foster + Partners, emphasized the project's broader significance: "Health, wellbeing, and community are the cornerstones of this unique project that will completely redefine the experience of city living." The building envelope was prefabricated and assembled off-site whenever possible, further reducing environmental impact and construction timelines.
The 96,000 square meter development represents a significant addition to Shenzhen's residential landscape, offering a new model for urban living that prioritizes both individual privacy and community connection. The project's completion in 2025 marks a milestone in contemporary residential architecture, demonstrating how thoughtful design can address the evolving needs of modern urban professionals while maintaining strong environmental credentials.
