by MAP Office [Gutierrez + Portefaix]

In the early 1980s, the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region was transformed into a vast manufacturing hinterland for Hong Kong, as well as an experimental zone for China’s new economy. Massive foreign investments from the British colony boosted a region that aspired to become the fifth Asian dragon.

Established by entrepreneurs, a politics of laissez faire was successfully injected into local infrastructural projects. Joint ventures and private money propelled a leap that responded to the global economy and accession to WTO.



Guangshen Superhighway Market

A linear shopping mall was built at each Superhighway entrance-exit node. Due to the dimension of the intersection nodes these structures remain disconnected from the city. Therefore the malls were never occupied and were left abandoned.


Studies