YANTIAN DRONE PORT – Quality Innovation United has designed the first manned drone port in the Yantian district of Shenzhen. The new facilities combined a new centre of Greater-Bay low altitude business travel as well as rescue and testing of new electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (EVTOL).
Situated in the north-western region of Shenzhen, China, a renowned tech city globally, our proposed drone port embraces a unique topography atop a steep mountain, providing panoramic views of the ocean and the distinctive Yantian port. Encompassing an expansive 80,000 sqm area, this port for helicopters and manned-drones includes generous hangar spaces, an outdoor landing pad/runway stretching up to 2 km, a flight control centre, short-stay passenger lounges and accommodations, R & D office spaces, a training centre, a drone museum, and a VIP marketing suite.
This unique project, planned to start in 2026, integrates with its surrounding green landscaping. The stepping building massing and layouts allows for roof gardens, invite natural light and cross ventilation, while offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
The architectural composition is split into two phases, creating building volumes that shape a central plaza. The building entrance and drop-off points are positioned at the center of the plaza, surrounded by a lush visitor’s garden, serving also as a rainwater-retaining feature in alignment with the sponge city concept.
The ground level, predominantly facing the west runway, is dedicated to hangar space, and the maintenance for helicopters and drones. The space transforms into a drone museum and showroom, welcoming both private and public visitors.
Above the hangar space, the ten-storey stepping towers have a mixed-use programme including offices, visitor accommodations, training rooms, and conference facilities. The rooftop of the hangar and selected terrace spaces of the tower are the drone landing pads, designed to accommodate the weight of manned drones, the stepping shape of the tower volumes also creates self-shading for the spaces below.
All the spaces have unobstructed view of the ocean.
“The client and the local authorities have been working closely with industry experts to make the technology safe and available. Manned drone service will soon be a reality for the passengers in the Great-Bay Area.”
Quality Innovation United
Program – Transportation, Offices
Location – Shenzhen
Scope – Master plan, Architectural Design
Status – Ongoing
