THE Shenzhen Municipal Housing and Construction Bureau, seeking to create a more sustainable and visually appealing urban landscape, recently released a draft version of design standards for the sixth facade that is currently open for public comment.

This initiative aims to transform the city’s rooftops into a canvas for eco-friendly design and community engagement.

The sixth facade refers to the landscape when viewed from higher vantage points that are accessible to people, such as from atop mountains or high-rise and super high-rise buildings. It includes the roofs and facades of buildings and other urban space elements like streets, open spaces, and sky bridges.

The draft standards propose that all new public buildings use rooftop solar panels, which aligns with the city’s commitment to renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions.

To address the challenges of limited land, the standards also encourage educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, to optimize their rooftop spaces for sports and recreational activities.

The design principles outlined in the draft emphasize human-centric, safe, cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and energy-efficient solutions. These principles, intended to be in harmony with the city’s planning and specialized plans, take into account regional climates, characteristics, and urban landscapes.

Meanwhile, the design of the sixth facade will be synchronized with the planning of urban infrastructure to ensure a cohesive and functional urban environment.

The proposed standards also highlight the multifunctionality and uniqueness of roofs and advocate for a planning approach that maximizes roof space usage.

Shopping centers and commercial buildings are encouraged to transform their rooftops into vibrant commercial and cultural hubs, while hospital roofs are envisioned as gardens that enhance patient experiences.

To further promote sustainability, new public buildings will be required to install rooftop photovoltaic systems. Buildings with extensive roof areas, such as those serving transport, sports, culture, and manufacturing, are particularly well-suited for photovoltaic installations.

The standards also recommend green roofs for residential buildings under 54 meters and public buildings under 50 meters, with a requirement that at least 60% of the roof area be dedicated to greenery.

(Zhang Yu)