Residential complex
Tencent P5 in Shenzhen,
design: MVRDV
In March 2024, technology company Tencent unveiled the design of its campus in Shenzhen's Qianhai Bay, which includes the Tencent P5 residential complex, designed by Dutch office MVRDV. The complex of 11 residential towers with an adjoining kindergarten is designed to serve the company's employees, offering them a place conducive to building social relationships and living comfortably. Located on the northern edge of the smart city campus, Tencent P5 stands out for its equalitarian approach to architecture and attention to sustainability.
Tencent P5 residential complex in Shenzhen - visualization from the water side
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
modules for equality: community architecture
The Tencent campus, located on a narrow peninsula at the mouth of Qianhai Bay, was developed by US-based NBBJ asa self-sustainable urban area in line with the smart city concept. Within it, the MVRDV-designed complex is to serve a residential role, combining modern technology with common spaces and greenery. The project envisages 11 towers ranging from 57 to 100 meters in height, arranged around four courtyards that form the center of the development. All apartments are to have the same layout and square footage, which emphasizes the equality of residents - each will be equipped with a balcony or bay window, providing contact with the environment. This layout not only organizes the space, but is also expected to promote neighborhood ties, one of the pillars of the project.
Tencent P5 residential complex in Shenzhen - visualization of a bird's-eye view
visualization: Atchain © MVRDV
green oases: courtyards and common areas
The structure of Tencent P5 is based on modularity and practicality. The towers are to be terraced, allowing for efficient landscaping and preserving views of the sea to the west and the bay to the east. Courtyards planted with trees and shrubs are planned between the buildings, which will serve as rest and recreation areas. At ground level, these spaces are to connect to a green corridor running through the entire campus, creating a coherent network of areas accessible to residents. Pedestrian streets crisscrossing the development will complement the infrastructure with sports and recreational facilities. Common amenities, such as meeting rooms and work spaces, will be provided on the first floors of the towers.
Tencent P5 residential complex in Shenzhen - the project involves 11 towers ranging from 57 to 100 meters in height, arranged around four courtyards forming the center of the development
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
A place for children: a kindergarten in the complex
An important part of the project is a kindergarten in the fifth block of the development. It is to consist of buildings connected by corridors and walkways, surrounding their own courtyard. The spaces between the blocks are designed with the youngest in mind - they will be safe, shaded and equipped with playgrounds. The roofs of the buildings are to be covered with gardens, which will increase the amount of greenery while serving as a place for children to play and learn. This approach shows how MVRDV has taken into account the needs of Tencent' s employee families, integrating them into the broader campus concept.
Tencent P5 residential complex in Shenzhen - an important part of the project is a kindergarten in the fifth block of the development
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
technology at the service of nature: smart solutions
Tencent P5 is expected to use technologies typical of smart cities. Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV, notes that the project combines innovation with green infrastructure and community spaces. A network of autonomous vehicles serving residents' transportation and deliveries is planned for the basement, which will reduce traffic on the surface. Such solutions support sustainability, as evidenced by its efforts to achieve the three-star Green Building label, China's highest award in this category. Energy-efficient materials and optimal building layout in terms of light and ventilation are expected to further reduce the complex's environmental impact.
Tencent P5 is expected to use technologies typical of smart cities
visuals: Tencent © MVRDV
the road to completion: the evolution of the project
In 2019, the MVRDV office reached the finals of the campus plan competition, at the time proposing a concept resembling an undulating mountain range with a waterfront park. Although that vision didn't come to fruition, the current complex draws from it, combining nature with modernity. Qianhai Bay, located west of Shenzhen, is rapidly becoming China's technological center, and Tencent P5 is expected to fit into this development, offering living space for high-tech workers. Construction of Tencent P5 began in early 2022.
The Tencent P5 residential complex will be built on Qianhai Bay in Shenzhen
visualizations: Atchain © MVRDV
picture of harmony: architecture and nature
Visualizations of Tencent P5 depict the complex as a cohesive whole, where modern architecture coexists with nature. Towers of varying heights, with large windows and terraces overgrown with greenery, are expected to create a varied skyline. The light-colored facades will reflect light, giving the buildings a lightness. The areas between the towers, full of trees and alleys, are to balance the vertical development, creating a harmonious landscape. The design reflects contemporary trends in architecture, with a focus on greenery, functionality and technology.
Tencent P5 residential complex in Shenzhen - areas between towers, full of trees and alleys, are to balance vertical development, creating a harmonious landscape
visuals: Tiptop © MVRDV
a model for the future: lessons from Tencent P5
Tencent P5 is more than a housing development - it's an example of a smart city where technology is meant to support human relationships instead of overshadowing them. MVRDV is proving that modern solutions can interact with the human dimension of space. For future residents of the Shenzhen campus, it is intended to be not just a place to live, but an environment conducive to collaboration, relaxation and development.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of MVRDV studio.
