Foster + Partners has won a competition to design innovative residential towers in Shenzhen, China, aiming specifically at the rental market. Named Qianhai Talents’ Apartments, the towers aim to attract for professionals who would have an intensive work-centred lifestyle.

As the firm highlights, the design targets mostly single or living away from their families, since their primary desire is for privacy and exclusivity, while also craving a sense of community in a relaxed environment. 

Foster + Partners' design scheme reimagines this new building type and the design offers an innovative flexible layout that redefines the residents’ living experience.

"As working practices evolve rapidly, so do patterns of living. The residential rental sector in China is fertile grounds for innovation as more people move to the cities in search of opportunities," said Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. 

"Located at the heart of Qianhai financial district, the Talents’ Apartments recreate the intimate feeling of home. The shared spaces within the complex facilitate real connections and create positive impact on people’s lives."

"We are delighted to have won this design competition and we look forward to developing our proposals for an innovative new residential typology with the client over the coming months," added Fox.

The key element of the project is to provide future flexibility and modular construction which allows for prefabrication, saving time and ensuring quality control. 

Two shear walls enclose every two units, allowing flexibility to combine the units in the future. Although each unit type may differ, interior elements within these units are standardised and allow for construction efficiencies.

Only revealed with one rendering, Foster + Partners explained that "extensive research into co-living spaces around the world has revealed a common theme that brings people together – food." 

By providing a small kitchenette in every apartment, this will provide the necessities while grouping the remaining area to form a new common shared space for communal cooking. 

The shared kitchen will serve twelve residential units across three levels to form a cluster. It is a place where people can cook food and share ideas. The three-level shared dining space also has views out and is both a cultural and a social heart for the residents.

The communal dining space is placed in the podium deck, offering a new tranquil urban oasis – a place for calmness and relaxation for the residents.  

Amenities such as the residents’ clubhouse, wellness and spa centre, resident townhall and co-working space will be designed within the skygardens. There are curated events and gatherings in the amenities where public and residents can get together.

Top image courtesy of Foster + Partners

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