Megalopolis X: The Future City by QUAD Studio

Shaping the Future of Urban Living with Innovative Design and Technology

Located on the southern edges of Shenzhen, between Shenzhen Bay and Futian, Megalopolis X is a visionary project by QUAD Studio. The design was inspired by the anticipated unification of Shenzhen and Hong Kong into a single megalopolis by 2047. The project's unique properties lie in its incorporation of technological advances and the creation of a diversified Eco belt. This design goes beyond the traditional concept of city skylines dominated by mega towers, offering a comprehensive city of the future.

The realization of this design involved identifying nine key districts that coalesce to form Megalopolis X. Each district has its own character, fostering creativity and the transfer of knowledge and ideas crucial to innovation. The design also includes multi-level green spines complete with lush vegetation, walking paths, and public realms, creating a connection to nature. These recreational facilities fuse together with art and culture to form one continuous landscape for the people of Shenzhen.

Megalopolis X spans 120 hectares and is designed to support over 200,000 people. It is connected to the larger Mega city and Greater Bay Area through a series of railway lines, road networks, and public transport interchanges. The design also anticipates the use of future technologies by creating as much public space above ground as possible, while incorporating a supportive utility infrastructure below ground to service the entire city.

The design was created in response to the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarter Base architectural ideas competition. The project team consisted of QUAD Studio Hong Kong, Atelier 10 Singapore, and MVA Hong Kong. QUAD were one of 15 creative international design teams invited to take on the task over the 3-month competition period.

One of the challenges faced by the design team was imagining a city based on cutting-edge technology, futuristic in nature fused with contemporary arts for a city of creative polymaths for the year 2050. The aim was not just to create a hub for Shenzhen, but a heart for the Greater Bay Area. Megalopolis X is envisioned to be a catalyst, becoming the brain of the Greater Bay Area.

The design of Megalopolis X has been recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Futuristic Design Award in 2020. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.