Grand Bayview Qianhai Residential Towers by Foster + Partners

A New Urban Lifestyle Vision by Foster + Partners

The Grand Bayview Qianhai Residential Towers in Shenzhen, China, designed by the world-renowned Foster + Partners, redefine modern urban living through an innovative approach to design, sustainability, and community integration. Conceived as a new residential typology for professionals with dynamic, work-focused lifestyles, the project seamlessly blends privacy, connectivity, and wellness within a highly urban context.

Comprising two fan-shaped towers rising to 180 meters, the development strategically optimizes views, natural light, and ventilation while maintaining privacy for residents. The twin towers are interconnected through a lush semi-public sky garden that extends into the city’s greenbelt, forming a green urban oasis at ground level.

Design Philosophy and Concept

Head of Studio Luke Fox explains that the design aims to balance exclusivity and community—creating spaces that foster relaxation, interaction, and well-being. Each tower is carefully oriented to capture panoramic city views, while the fan-shaped layout ensures that natural daylight and cross-ventilation reach all living spaces.

The central communal core features landscaped terraces and lounges on every level, encouraging social engagement and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. These elevated green zones act as vertical gardens, softening the high-rise form and integrating nature throughout the structure.

Sustainability and Prefabrication

In keeping with Foster + Partners’ sustainable design ethos, the project minimizes its carbon footprint through lightweight steel construction and prefabricated components. By reducing on-site concrete use, the team successfully lowered embodied carbon levels while accelerating the construction timeline.

The building envelope, designed for precision and efficiency, was largely assembled off-site, ensuring exceptional quality and reducing material waste. This modular system also allows future adaptability—residential units can be reconfigured or expanded to accommodate changing lifestyles and needs.

Community, Nature, and Well-Being

Lush greenery flows through the towers—from the landscaped ground level to the sky gardens above. These triple-height green spaces serve as communal zones where residents can unwind, exercise, or attend curated social events. The thoughtful integration of natural elements, shading systems, and open-air terraces provides a tranquil retreat from the intensity of urban life.

As Perry Ip, Partner at Foster + Partners, notes:

“Health, wellbeing, and community are the cornerstones of this unique project that completely redefines the experience of city living.”

Through its dynamic architecture, Grand Bayview Qianhai creates a sustainable, human-centered residential modelthat connects people not only to each other but also to the surrounding environment—an architectural embodiment of balance, comfort, and innovation.

All the photographs are works of Nigel Young / Foster + Partners