Aedas Completes Tiered Immigration Hub at Shenzhen-Hong Kong Border
The nine-storey facility integrates border control, transport networks, and public space in one structure.
1New Border Infrastructure
Aedas has completed the New Huanggang Port Development, a nine-storey immigration hub situated on the banks of the Shenzhen River. This facility replaces the original port that opened in 1989. Designed as a large-scale integrated hub, it combines border control operations with extensive transport networks and 25,000 square metres of public space.
2Architectural Design Concept
The building features a rounded, tiered form intended to evoke a pebble resting by the waterfront. Its exterior is defined by a flowing facade composed of horizontal metal fins that wrap around the structure like ribbons. These elements symbolize the close connection between the cities of Shenzhen and Hong Kong while reinforcing a fluid appearance.
3Modular Construction Approach
The project utilized a modular, prefabrication approach to construct the building's complex volume. The structure opens at the ground level through two sunken plazas and features a roof terrace covered in solar panels. Across four elevations, rhythmic horizontal fins are lifted to create large glass curtain walls that maximize natural daylight penetration into interiors.
4Vertical Program Integration
Transport, immigration, and public programs are organized vertically within the nine-storey facility. A network of internal escalators connects these stacked levels, ensuring efficient movement. The design separates passenger and vehicular flows while maintaining convenient connections between different programs, effectively managing high-density traffic within the constrained site located at the border crossing.
5High Capacity Operations
The hub is engineered to accommodate an average of 200,000 passengers per day. Two specific floors are dedicated to immigration halls, which utilize a barrier-free design to facilitate smooth processing. These levels are directly linked to transport networks on the floors below, supporting a seamless border-crossing journey for commuters and international travelers alike.
6Transport Network Connectivity
Connectivity is a core feature of the development, as the hub links directly to four of Shenzhen’s rail and metro lines. This integration supports a seamless transition between different modes of transport. By consolidating these services under one roof, the facility streamlines the transit experience for thousands of daily passengers moving between the two cities.
7Interior Structural Details
The expansive interiors are divided by a series of structural, arched columns inspired by Shenzhen’s emblem flower, the Bougainvillea. Natural light is provided by 73 roof skylights, facade openings, and an integrated lighting system. These design choices create a welcoming civic environment while maintaining the structural integrity required for a high-traffic public facility.
8Regional Development Context
The completion of this hub marks a significant update to the cross-border infrastructure between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It reflects a broader trend of architectural innovation in the region, following other notable projects like the nearby skyscraper with a butterfly layout and various green-roofed museums, signaling a shift toward more integrated, aesthetically conscious public infrastructure.