Tianjin has the dual distinction of being the 4th largest city in China as well as the port city of the capitol Beijing. Within the next two years a new highspeed intercity railway will connect Tianjin to Beijing reducing the commute from 2.5 to 1 hour. This is a critical link for this burgeoning satellite city.

In January 2006, de Architekten Cie. was invited by DHV to participate in a competition for a com-prehensive masterplan and architectural design of the Tianjin central station.

This project includes the complete design of the underground infrastructure, 4 landscape squares, the intercity railway station, the metro/long distance bus station, local bus station, old train station renovation, baggage building renovation, and a new parking building.

In March 2006, the city of Tianjin selected two winning schemes, one of which was that of de Architekten Cie.