In “The Charm of the City” the KPF Principal explored the evolution of design across Shenzhen, from single-use programming to mixed-use urban districts.
As the Managing Principal of KPF’s offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Florence drew insights from her career to explore the relationship between architecture and the city. The presentation focused on two key areas in Shenzhen, the Houhai district (Shenzhen Bay) and the planning and construction practices of Qianhai Kerry Center. Florence discussed how the rapid development of Shenzhen evolved from a single-program orientated buildings and districts toward a more public, multifaceted, and experiential urban form. Through this lens, she examined the logic behind the creation of urban charm.
For the first time, this year’s Architizer A+ Awards ceremony was held across three cities with events in New York and Paris and its grand finale at the Shenzhen Bay Cultural Plaza. This new, multi-city format highlights the international architecture community’s inclusiveness and underscores the A+Awards’ recognition of the value of local innovation.
