Dachan Island's former power-plant site became isolated from Shenzhen's growth and lost public activity.
Case study
How can an abandoned industrial site become a public anchor for island regeneration?
Reuse the industrial site as a beer street and public landscape network.
A regeneration framework linking adaptive reuse, green space, local economy, and island identity.
This project is an urban regeneration initiative located on Dachan Island, the second-largest island in Shenzhen, China. The site previously housed a thermal power plant. Dachan Island, once a vital heavy industry hub, has witnessed the rapid transformation of Shenzhen. However, the dominant industrial activities on the island have left a detrimental impact on its ecological environment. With the thermal power plant now abandoned, the island lacks vibrancy. Additionally, due to its isolated location, Dachan Island struggles to keep pace with the city's development, creating a stark contrast to the nearby Qianhai Free Trade Zone across the sea. Consequently, the island has experienced population decline, worsening environmental conditions, and economic stagnation.
The project aims to introduce a new anchor industry to the site while revitalizing the former power plant through urban regeneration. A key aspect of the project is the creation of a commercial beer street, which aims to inject youthful energy into the island and enhance local amenities. This will attract visitors and provide employment opportunities for local residents. The introduction of this new industry will help foster stronger connections between Dachan Island and Qianhai, as well as other parts of Shenzhen, creating a complementary economic relationship that can stimulate growth on the island.
As a way to compensate for the ecological damage caused by previous industrial activities, the project also focuses on building an eco-friendly environment. By creating expansive green spaces, the design seeks to restore the ecological damage inflicted by heavy industry, transforming Dachan Island into a sustainable, vibrant community with renewed economic and environmental vitality.
