Construction of Zaha Hadid Architects' innovative Yidan Center in Shenzhen, China, has reached its full height, marking a significant milestone for what will become a landmark educational facility. The new center will serve as the headquarters for both the Chen Yidan Foundation and the prestigious Yidan Prize, organizations committed to promoting lifelong learning and driving innovation in global education.
The 165,815-square-meter complex is strategically located adjacent to the Qianhai Museum in China's third-most populous city, helping to establish a new cultural quarter in this dynamic urban center. The building will house comprehensive facilities for academic research, cultural events, and educational exhibitions, all designed to support the foundation's mission of advancing educational opportunities worldwide.
Inspired by Shenzhen's surrounding mountainous landscapes, which have historically served as routes for trade and communication, the architectural design embodies the concept of convergence and collaboration. The building reflects the city's energetic and forward-thinking character through its unique design elements, including terraces and balconies that overlook a central outdoor "canyon." Landscaped gardens guide visitors from the surrounding streets into this open-air space, where striking geological architectural formations rise dramatically above.
A prominent feature of the design is a large oculus skylight positioned at the canyon's base, which floods the interior spaces below with natural light. This innovative design element creates both visual and spatial connections between the public interior areas and the architecture above, fostering an environment that encourages interaction and collaboration.
The building's facade functions as a sophisticated environmental filter, combining insulated double-glazed units with hybrid natural ventilation systems to optimize thermal performance and ensure interior comfort. The center has been designed to meet both the three-star standard of China's National Green Building Program and LEED Gold certification, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability.
External louvers provide effective solar shading while maintaining natural daylight and offering panoramic views of Qianhai Bay. These elements visually reinforce the structure's distinctive striated, geological aesthetic. A variable air volume (VAV) system regulates interior climate conditions to improve energy efficiency in Shenzhen's humid subtropical environment.
To reduce reliance on municipal energy and water supplies, the design incorporates photovoltaic panels and features rainwater collection and storage systems for reuse. These sustainable features align with the building's overall environmental objectives and demonstrate innovative approaches to green architecture in urban settings.
The Yidan Center will bring together the global network of the Yidan Prize and leverage the Chen Yidan Foundation's extensive expertise in the education sector. The facility will house research and practice platforms specifically focused on educational innovation, while nurturing a broader community of institutions and organizations working in this critical field.
Additionally, the center will serve as the hub for YiPai, a community dedicated to lifelong learning. Located on the lower levels of the building, YiPai will offer a diverse range of inclusive educational experiences, fostering an open and welcoming environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in continuous learning opportunities.
This project represents one of several recent major developments by Zaha Hadid Architects. The firm recently completed the installation of the final segment of the Danjiang Bridge's steel decking in Taiwan, connecting the east and west banks of the Tamsui River estuary ahead of its scheduled opening on May 12, 2026. In collaboration with Bureau Cube Partners, the studio also won an international competition to design a new mixed-use tower for Alta Bank in New Belgrade, Serbia.
Earlier this year, Sierra Blanca Estates unveiled ZHA's design for a 21-story residential building in Málaga, Spain. The architectural firm also presented an innovative concept for a digitally fabricated marine habitat in Hong Kong's North Lantau Marine Park, which was showcased at the World Design Congress in London, further demonstrating their commitment to cutting-edge design and environmental sustainability.
