Project Overview: The circular city observation deck overlooking the sea is situated in the coastal center of Nanshan District, Shenzhen. It is surrounded by the Binhai Activity Lawn to the south, a public parking lot to the north, a smart fitness area to the east, and a landscaped tree row alongside a paved square to the west. Nestled within the approximately 13-kilometer-long coastal landscape belt of Shenzhen Bay Park, the site boasts excellent accessibility and stunning seaside views.
This public facility was demolished and rebuilt on its original footprint. Its primary functions include a 24/7 public restroom and shower facilities available to park visitors. This project represents a public welfare upgrade for the Shenzhen Bay Park Sea Breeze Sports Plaza public restroom, serving local residents and tourists since May 1, 2023.
The original public restroom building presented a heavy and bulky appearance, which clashed with the coastal landscape.
Other issues with the original facility included:
- Poor functional flow: Male and female restrooms shared a single entrance corridor, leading to inconvenience during peak park hours.
- Narrow interior corridors and basic facilities: The restroom included 8 male stalls, 6 urinals, and 13 female stalls, but lacked a third gender restroom and mother-and-baby room. Staff reported frequent congestion, particularly long queues in the women’s restroom.
- Lack of human-centered design: Although some elevated spaces existed, no dedicated rest areas were provided for tourists, maintenance staff, or park employees.
To address these challenges, the new design was guided by the following principles:
- Seamlessly integrate the building with its natural surroundings and site characteristics.
- Expand facilities to meet visitor needs, increasing restroom capacity and adding showers, third-gender restrooms, and mother-and-baby rooms.
- Transform the traditional image of public restrooms into a welcoming, people-centric rest area.
The “Vitality Ring” concept embraces the openness of the site through a circular design that allows easy access from all directions, fostering a close connection between the building and its environment.
Within the circular layout, the men’s restroom is positioned on the east side and the women’s on the west, with the number of women’s stalls increased to 22. Adjacent to the eastern side, near the landscape axis, is the shower cluster, while the western side hosts the mother-and-baby room, third restroom, sanitation staff rest area, and equipment storage.
A circular corridor links all these functions in a simple and efficient arrangement. Beyond basic restroom use, the design creates shaded “grey spaces” where visitors can rest and wait. The building’s roof integrates green spaces, and by varying the roof slope, visitors can climb stairs to enjoy the sea breeze and views.
The eaves corridor and the wide overhanging eaves of the half-acre garden create a 2.4-meter-wide circular walkway outside the ring. The open spaces between functional areas frame a series of landscaped views, forming a coherent and transparent grey space.
During peak usage, visitors can queue along this corridor, sheltered from sun and rain. Seating integrated into the walls beneath the eaves provides convenient resting spots, where visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and surrounding scenery.
At the center, the circular courtyard, about 18 meters in diameter, opens onto a green lawn, framing views of the sky, clouds, trees, and birds. This courtyard is a safe and open area for children to play, while the 1.2-meter-wide inner corridor allows parents to watch over them comfortably.
The city deck, a circular observation platform by Shenzhen Bay, features gently ascending wooden steps designed for comfortable walking. Reeds planted along both sides of the steps and platform ensure visitors are surrounded by greenery while enjoying the views.
Green roofs provide an attractive “fifth façade” for the city, enhancing the microclimate of the area. This circular observation deck has become a popular urban spot where residents can face east toward Jieshi and the vast sea, offering an ideal location for photography and social media check-ins.
Additionally, it serves as a natural stage for events on the adjacent grassy sports field in Binhai, including the annual Spring Festival welcome run, eliminating the need for temporary platforms. The space also accommodates public gatherings such as music festivals.
The façade design aims to blend the building into its environment rather than making it a focal point. Natural, plain concrete was chosen for its simplicity and humility, allowing the structure to harmonize with its surroundings.
During detailed planning, dry-hanging plain concrete panels were selected for ease of construction, cost control, and maintenance. Wooden louvers decorate the handwashing and high window areas in the men’s and women’s restrooms, ensuring natural ventilation and some shading. The warm tones of the wood also soften the otherwise gray concrete.
Through public evaluation and reflection, traditional restrooms, often viewed negatively, have been transformed into positive urban spaces that prioritize people’s comfort. The new building successfully embodies its original design intent.
Since opening, some improvements have been identified:
- Additional seating could be added under the inner courtyard eaves and on the roof platform to enhance visitor comfort.
- Ramps should be installed alongside the stairs to the roof platform to facilitate access for parents with strollers and people with disabilities.
- Protruding seats currently set at 600 mm height are difficult for children to use comfortably and may require adjustment.
- The roof greenery lacks drip irrigation as originally designed, complicating maintenance.
- Roof drainage ditches are unprotected at ground level, creating potential safety hazards for children playing nearby.
Conclusion
Facing the sea with the breeze, where spring brings warmth and blossoms, the circular urban observation deck integrates harmoniously into the park setting. It redefines the traditional public restroom by offering a welcoming, human-centric resting place for citizens.
The facility also provides a scenic viewpoint for sea watching and serves as a natural urban stage for the sports field and lawn on the south side of the Sea Breeze Sports Plaza. We extend our gratitude to all who contributed selflessly to this public welfare project, regardless of gains or losses.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Roof Plan
△ Elevation and Section Views
△ Partial Sectional View
△ Detailed Drawing
△ Detailed Drawing
Project Information
Architect: CCDI 21 Design Studio
Project Year: 2023
Photographers: TAL, Yan Yilong
Manufacturers: Juelin Wood Industry Co., Ltd., Yonglijian, Han Gong Zao, Foshan City, Guangdong Province
Lead Architects: Wang Lang, Li Yuming, Wu Hao
Lighting Design: HAD / Hu Yankai, Li Jinfeng, Deng Chaobing
Preliminary Design: Shenzhen Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. / Xin Yi, Zhang Xun, Xiong Zhi, Liu Cihang, Ouyang Zhike, Xiao Yuanding, Li Xiaolin, Zhou Jianfang, Tang Hao; Xia Xin, Chen Hongzheng, Ma Yingying; Huang Peng, Shi Wuyang, Huang Jian, Zhang Ji; Jiang Yifeng, Lin Tianzhen
Construction Drawing Design: Guangdong Huading Xinwei Design Engineering Co., Ltd
Construction Drawing Team: Liu Dazhi, Qiu Limin, Chen Yixin, Wang Chaochao, Li Wu, Zheng Xupeng, Xie Zhongxing, Hong Liang, Ni Guotao
Construction Contractor: Shantou Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
Construction Agency: Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Real Estate Co., Ltd
Project Owner: Shenzhen Park Management Center
Construction Authority: Shenzhen Construction and Engineering Bureau
Authors: Wang Lang, Li Yuming
Location: Shenzhen
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