Zaha Hadid Architects has announced the structural topping out of the Yidan Center in Shenzhen, a new cultural and educational hub that will serve as the international headquarters of the Yidan Prize and home to the Chen Yidan Foundation. Designed as a site for research, exhibitions, and public programming, the building anchors a new cultural district alongside the adjacent Qianhai Museum.
EDUCATIONAL
The Yidan Center will house academic, cultural, and community spaces dedicated to lifelong learning. Created by Tencent co-founder Dr. Charles Chen Yidan, the foundation aims to support global innovation in education, while the Yidan Prize, established in 2016, recognises leading figures in educational research and practice. The new building will consolidate both initiatives under one roof, combining institutional headquarters with public-facing programming.
At 165,815 square meters, the complex is designed as a place of convergence, drawing inspiration from the steep valleys and canyon formations found in the region’s mountain terrain. Terraces and balconies surround a central outdoor void described as the “canyon,” with circulation and sightlines organised around this architectural core. A large oculus at the base brings daylight deep into the interior, connecting indoor public spaces with the open void above.
The project also introduces YiPai, a learning-focused community platform located on the lower levels, offering programs for visitors of all ages. The aim is to create an accessible environment that encourages informal learning, shared knowledge, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Sustainability is embedded into the building envelope and systems: external louvres filter daylight and reduce heat gain, hybrid natural ventilation and insulated glazing support thermal performance, and photovoltaic panels contribute to on-site energy generation. The center is targeting China’s three-star green building standard as well as LEED Gold certification.
Once completed, the Yidan Center will operate as a global meeting point for academics, innovators, and institutions shaping the future of education, solidifying Qianhai Bay as a new cultural destination within Shenzhen.
