Shenzhen Transforms Urban Spaces into recreational Hubs
Shenzhen is creatively repurposing underutilized urban spaces into vibrant recreational areas, enhancing residents’ quality of life adn promoting fitness.
Subway badminton: Commuting and Exercise Converge
The Huangmugang subway station now features badminton courts, allowing commuters to conveniently play before or after work. This innovative use of a previously idle transit corridor is Shenzhen’s first subway station sports venue.
The 120-meter-long, 28-meter-wide space accommodates three badminton courts and two tennis practice areas. A local resident noted that this allows him to play four to five times a week, thanks to the time saved by exercising right at the station.
According to staff at the venue, surveys of residents revealed a high interest in badminton, leading to the addition of the courts. The venue utilizes the station’s atrium windows for natural light, reducing construction costs and creating an appealing surroundings. The badminton courts boast a near 90% booking rate.
Rooftop Recreation: Maximizing limited Space
In the Futian and Guangming districts, sports facilities have been built on rooftops to maximize land use. The Futian eco-Sports Park, atop the Futian water purification plant, features two standard soccer fields, four eight-person fields, and two five-person fields across 76,000 square meters.
This innovative design integrates wastewater treatment with recreational space. Since opening in September 2021,the park has hosted over 3 million visitors and 1,700 events.
According to a local resident, it’s a great place for kids to exercise and socialize while relaxing and another resident mentioned that elderly people enjoy going to the park due to its comfortable atmosphere.
In Guangming District, a sports center sits atop the Shenzhen Metro Line 6 depot, featuring three tennis and three basketball courts. A resident mentioned that it’s more convenient for citizens so he exercises twice a week since the sports center opened.
“Sixth Facade” Initiative: Unlocking Urban Potential
Shenzhen has approximately 200 million square meters of rooftop space. To capitalize on this, the city issued the “Shenzhen City Sixth Facade Enhancement Design Guide.”
According to an official from the Shenzhen Urban Planning and Design Institute, this initiative aims to improve rooftops, facades, surrounding areas, and open spaces in order to promote ecological balance, cultural continuity, and economic development.
How dose Shenzhen’s “Sixth Facade” initiative address the challenge of limited space in urban environments?
Shenzhen Transforms Urban Spaces into Recreational Hubs
Shenzhen is creatively repurposing underutilized urban spaces into vibrant recreational areas, enhancing residents’ quality of life adn promoting fitness.
Subway badminton: Commuting and Exercise Converge
The Huangmugang subway station now features badminton courts, allowing commuters to conveniently play before or after work. This innovative use of a previously idle transit corridor is Shenzhen’s first subway station sports venue.
The 120-meter-long, 28-meter-wide space accommodates three badminton courts and two tennis practice areas. A local resident noted that this allows him to play four to five times a week, thanks to the time saved by exercising right at the station.
According to staff at the venue, surveys of residents revealed a high interest in badminton, leading to the addition of the courts. The venue utilizes the station’s atrium windows for natural light, reducing construction costs and creating an appealing surroundings. The badminton courts boast a near 90% booking rate.
Rooftop Recreation: Maximizing limited Space
In the Futian and Guangming districts, sports facilities have been built on rooftops to maximize land use. The Futian eco-Sports Park, atop the Futian water purification plant, features two standard soccer fields, four eight-person fields, and two five-person fields across 76,000 square meters.
This innovative design integrates wastewater treatment with recreational space. As opening in September 2021,the park has hosted over 3 million visitors and 1,700 events.
According to a local resident, it’s a great place for kids to exercise and socialize while relaxing and another resident mentioned that elderly people enjoy going to the park due to its comfortable atmosphere.
In Guangming District, a sports center sits atop the Shenzhen Metro Line 6 depot, featuring three tennis and three basketball courts. A resident mentioned that it’s more convenient for citizens so he exercises twice a week since the sports center opened.
“Sixth Facade” Initiative: Unlocking Urban Potential
Shenzhen has approximately 200 million square meters of rooftop space. To capitalize on this, the city issued the “Shenzhen City Sixth Facade Enhancement Design Guide.”
According to an official from the Shenzhen Urban Planning and Design Institute,this initiative aims to improve rooftops,facades,surrounding areas,and open spaces to promote ecological balance,cultural continuity,and economic advancement.
Q&A: Shenzhen’s Urban Recreation Revolution
Q: how does Shenzhen’s approach benefit residents?
A: By integrating sports and recreation into everyday life, Shenzhen is making it easier for residents to stay active, save time, and enjoy a higher quality of life. The convenient locations of these facilities, such as the subway station and rooftops, removes the common barriers of time and travel to exercise.
Q: What is the “Sixth Facade” initiative and why is it important?
A: The “Sixth Facade” refers to the city’s rooftops and aims to transform them into usable spaces for recreation, ecological balance, and economic development. With vast rooftop space available, it provides a solution to space constraints, leading to more green space and recreational opportunities.
Q: How can other cities adopt Shenzhen’s approach?
A: Cities can learn from Shenzhen’s innovative use of existing infrastructure and underutilized spaces. Consider repurposing rooftops, vacant lots, and transit corridors. Conduct community surveys to understand residents’ needs and interests, designing facilities that cater to their preferences. Think creatively!
Q: What are the environmental benefits of these projects?
A: Transforming rooftops into parks and integrating wastewater treatment with recreational spaces, as seen in the Futian eco-Sports Park, helps to create more green spaces, improve air quality, and promote ecological balance within the urban environment. These projects also offer a sustainable approach to city planning by maximizing the use of existing structures.
Q: How can I find out more about the project?
A: You can search online with terms like “Shenzhen urban planning,” “Shenzhen Sixth Facade,” or “Futian eco-Sports Park” to find more details, photos, and possibly even virtual tours!
Shenzhen’s commitment to urban innovation offers a compelling example of how cities can prioritize the well-being of their residents through creative design and repurposing. Explore opportunities in your own community to embrace similar initiatives.
