A computer-generated image of the winning concept from the design competition.

Gongming Square, a hallmark of Guangming District since 1996, is on the cusp of an exciting revitalization. A recent report from the Shenzhen Guangming WeChat account detailed upcoming plans to give this well-known locale a much-needed facelift.

Nestled in the historical commercial core of Guangming's western region, Gongming Square is a vibrant social hub surrounded by attractions such as the picturesque Honghua Mountain Park, the Gongming old market, and the bustling Honghua Mountain Sports Center. It stands as a testament to the area's cultural richness, further enriched by its proximity to the dynamic Guangming Science City and the budding Shenzhen Youth Soccer Training Base.

As urbanization continues to reshape our living environments, Gongming Square's once spirited space has shown signs of aging. The community now faces the pressing question: How can these spaces be reinvigorated to align with modern aspirations for vibrant urban living?

Answering that call, the "Old Gongming·New Vitality" Gongming Square Conceptual Design Competition was inaugurated in December 2023. The competition sought imaginative design concepts that would both honor the spirit of Guangming and adaptively reuse the square in innovative ways. Its goal was to unite the community in a collaborative effort to breathe new life into the aging square, aligning it with the district's vision for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing development.

An impressive array of 32 design teams rose to this challenge, submitting proposals rich in creativity and vision. After meticulous review and extensive deliberations by expert committees, including seven rounds of voting, winners were chosen across several categories, raising the bar for architectural excellence in Guangming.

Moving forward, Guangming District aims to continue its transformation into an internationally recognized science city and central urban hub in northern Shenzhen. Efforts will focus on enhancing the international allure while maintaining a flair that is uniquely local, creating more engaging and appealing urban spaces, and providing high-quality neighborhood and lifestyle services.

In a celebration of the area's heritage and future, the winning concept from the design competition, led by project leader Tang Weijun with team member Gao Yufeng from Freeloop-Lab, takes a proud first place, promising to shape Gongming Square into a renewed landmark for generations to come.