Public Toilet in Shenzhen Bay Haifeng Sports Square by CCDI GROUP 21 Design Studio

Situated within the dynamic urban fabric of Shenzhen Bay Park, the Public Toilet in Haifeng Sports Square is a reimagined civic amenity designed by CCDI GROUP 21 Design Studio. Completed in 2023, this circular structure blends public utility with architectural ingenuity, addressing community needs while redefining the perception of public restrooms through thoughtful urban integration and environmental sensitivity.

Urban Context and Project Purpose

Located at a central point in Nanshan District, the structure stands amidst a diverse urban landscape—bordered by a public lawn, intelligent fitness zones, a tree-lined square, and a bustling parking lot. This new facility replaces a previous building that failed to align with both the aesthetic and functional demands of the space. The redesign was motivated by a vision to create a welcoming, inclusive, and environmentally conscious infrastructure serving park visitors 24/7.

Responding to Existing Challenges

The original public toilet was criticized for its bulky appearance, inefficient internal circulation, limited facilities, and lack of amenities for children, caregivers, or sanitation workers. The redesign prioritized solving these shortcomings by expanding restroom capacities, introducing showers, third bathrooms, and mother-and-baby rooms, and reconfiguring circulation for user convenience and privacy.

Concept: The Ring of Vitality

The circular plan of the new structure embraces the openness of its coastal site. Accessible from all directions, the ring fosters inclusivity and approachability. The eastern half contains men's facilities and showers, while the west houses women's restrooms, third bathrooms, and family amenities. A wide, covered circular corridor connects these zones, simultaneously creating shaded, weather-protected paths and resting areas.

At the core of the structure lies an 18-meter-wide open courtyard, open to the park’s lawn. This landscaped atrium, visible from every angle within the building, becomes a tranquil focal point—inviting children to play and parents to supervise from the shelter of the corridor.

Elevation and Experience: The Urban Observation Deck

By leveraging a gently sloping roofscape, the building invites visitors to ascend toward a rooftop observation platform. Flanked by reeds and green roof systems, this accessible deck provides panoramic views of the Shenzhen coastline and functions as a community terrace during events such as concerts and races. It is not only a place of rest but a strategic vista for watching the sea or cheering on sporting events below.

Materials and Environmental Integration

A restrained palette of plain concrete panels ensures the building blends harmoniously with the coastal environment. Wooden louvers introduce warmth and enable natural ventilation, especially in semi-open handwashing areas. The roof integrates a green landscape—the "fifth facade"—enhancing local biodiversity and microclimate regulation.

Community Reflection and Future Improvements

Post-occupancy use has validated the design’s success while also highlighting areas for improvement: additional seating, ramped access for strollers and wheelchairs, child-friendly fixtures, protected drainage channels, and a more maintainable irrigation system for rooftop vegetation. These reflections underscore the evolving nature of civic design and the importance of continuous user feedback.

All the photographs are works of TAL, Yilong Yan