Located in the southern province of Guangdong, Shenzhen is a young and modern city where skyscrapers soar into the clouds, with intense heat and humidity that can be felt with every breath. Just over 40 years ago this bustling metropolis was a small fishing port. Today, it stands at the forefront of China's economic and technological development. It is here that architect José Antonio Vigara Álvarez de Perea settled down more than 10 years ago.

Originally from Málaga in southern Spain, Vigara first came to China thanks to a friend's brother who was interning in Shenzhen and suggested he visit. With nothing to lose, the young architect decided to explore Guangdong, as well as neighboring Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. He was instantly fascinated by Shenzhen's urban dynamism and its many development opportunities. "The transformation of the city and its vibrant environment captivated me," he said.

In June 2013, Vigara began an internship at Zhubo Design. This first experience allowed him to immerse himself in local culture, explore the city's possibilities and familiarize himself with the country's work methodology.

After completing his internship, China had left a lasting impression. Following some time working on social projects with an NGO in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he decided to return to the path he had already taken. In late 2015, he came back to Shenzhen, rejoining Zhubo. Among Vigara's most emblematic projects were Huaqiangbei, one of the world's largest electronics markets, and a nursery, where sunlight was used to optimize the building design, creating play spaces adapted to the children's nap schedules.

High-impact project

The first years Vigara spent in China were key to his professional growth, allowing him to carve out a successful career through hard work, talent and dedication. In late 2018, he joined KSP Engel, a German firm then working on the largest project of the young Spaniard's career: the Biomedical Enterprise Accelerator in Pingshan District, Shenzhen. As project manager overseeing the second phase of the park, Vigara had to coordinate multiple tasks and teams simultaneously while bridging the gap between German and Chinese work cultures.

One of the main objectives was to create an industrial park that not only met the needs of employees and researchers but also provided a pleasant, nature-integrated environment. One standout feature the Spaniard likes to point out is the elevated platform that connects all the buildings. "This solution not only improves pedestrian flow between the different spaces but also contributes to a more orderly and aesthetically pleasing environment," he explained.

The biopharmaceutical park, covering 700,000 square meters with 15 buildings, was completed in just four years—an impressive feat by any standard. The secret to this success? Efficiency.

Vigara explained that in China, project goals are clearly defined from the outset, with the understanding that every extra day of construction results in financial losses for investors, motivating teams to accelerate each phase. "One of the main reasons for the speed and efficiency of construction in China is the extraordinary labor force and the availability of economic resources from both private companies and government entities," he continued.

At one point, over 1,500 workers were employed simultaneously, allowing for multiple phases—including foundations, structures, landscaping and interior design—to progress rapidly.

A vision for the future

Vigara often talks with his family back in Spain about his experiences and the transformations he has witnessed in Shenzhen over the past decade. He explained how empty areas or uncultivated land have evolved into buzzing urban centers. In 1980, Shenzhen had only 300,000 residents; today, it's home to over 17 million.

"The evolution of Shenzhen has been astonishing, almost dizzying," he said, adding that urban planning has created a highly livable city by making most services available within walking distance.

The continued expansion of infrastructure, including new metro stations and connecting roads, has greatly improved communication and mobility, in turn enhancing the quality of life for residents. Vigara also appreciates the city's role as an architectural laboratory, noting a clear contrast between the approaches to architecture and urban planning in Spain and China. In China, projects are often approached from a macro perspective; in Spain, the focus tends to be on the details.

One aspect of China that the Spanish professional admires is the speed at which decisions are made and projects are executed. "It is impressive how an idea can grow into a company with over 1,000 employees in just two or three years. This dynamism is fueled by a huge investment in research and development, both by the state and private companies, driving technological developments that far exceed what we would expect in Spain," he said. This efficiency extends beyond the architectural and real estate sectors, affecting everyday services, which are accessible at the tap of a smartphone screen.

Today, Vigara leads his own project, built on years of experience and an extensive network of contacts. This project, LuluLe Creative, is a creative agency he founded in September 2023. The agency provides design, sourcing and representation services to both Spanish-speaking clients in China and Chinese companies seeking to expand into Spanish-speaking markets.

This new professional venture will likely keep him in China for the foreseeable future. However, another significant reason for his continued stay is more personal. He explained how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to reflect on life and reassess what truly matters. "During that time, I met my current partner, who was a great support when things got difficult and one of the main reasons I decided to stay," he said.

As Shenzhen has developed, so has Vigara. "These years in Shenzhen have been a period of personal and professional growth, and I feel fortunate to be able to contribute to projects that, in some way, are shaping the future of this city and the country at large," he said. "I am excited about what the future holds."

The author is an editorial consultant with China Hoy magazine 

(Print edition title: Shaping Shenzhen) 

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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