Modern Architecture: China's Five Iconic Street Lanterns

Located in Shenzhen, China, WORKac’s design for a one kilometer (.62 miles) section of Hua Qiang Bei Road was awarded first prize. The road is a market places for electronics products, and local mainland Chinese refer to it as the "path to prosperity."

The design responds to the area’s growing commercial character which has unfortunately created traffic problems. For the proposal, the road becomes a series of strategic interventions where “five iconic lanterns” create unique, visible destinations through a process of “urban acupuncture.”

The lanterns’ size makes them visible across the street. They provide shade during the day and glow with activity during the night. Each lantern serves a separate public function, and includes an electronics museum, urban information hub, and a “figure eight” observation pavilion. Underground, new connective spaces provide public amenities, along with connections across the street and between four newly created metro lines.