Located on the north bank of Suzhou Creek, within the business area across Sichuan North Road and Zhapu Road in Shanghai, the Shanghai Landmark Center enjoys a prime location with excellent views towards the Northern Bund and Huangpu River.
This new complex creates a synergy for the commercial hub and the neighbourhood, and connects the old and new of Shanghai city. It is surrounded by low-rise residential blocks and several historic buildings, such as the Shanghai Post and Telecommunication Bureau, Shanghai General Hospital, New Asia Hotel, Ruikang Mansion and Outer Baidu Bridge, forming a distinctive urban fabric.
The biggest challenge for this project, designed by Aedas, was the need to reflect the integrity and energy of the historic city in a new development and ensure maximum flexibility for present and future uses.
DESIGNED FOR SYNERGY
In response to the vibrant neighbourhood and low-rise domestic buildings in the east and north, this commercial development retreats from south to north. Two towers sit on the south of the site, with the retail components in the north, embracing an open central plaza for food and beverage and various outdoor activities.
The buildings are placed along the site edges to reserve open spaces at the four corners, which act as transitional nodes to the surrounding high-density context. The massing and orientation of the complex highlight the architectural layers, while facilitating daylight penetration and ventilation to the adjoining domestic blocks.
The central plaza connects the exterior with the retail components above and below the ground, and also extends the circulation from the adjacent communities to the complex. The retail traffic links up the retail block, connecting all entrances and atria. The skylight above the central atrium facilitates daylight penetration and the green roof offers a welcoming public space.
A MOTIF CONNECTING THE OLD AND NEW
Inspired by the traditional Chinese windows from the nearby old buildings, the façade design interprets the oriental element in a contemporary language and creates an impressive motif, setting the tone and identity of the development.
The signature oriental motif that extends from the towers to the retail blocks not only serves as an ornamental screen on the façade, but also adds interesting, animated light patterns on the inner layer. This modern interpretation on the tower façade allows less reflectance compared to typical glass towers, reducing light pollution and disturbance to its neighbours.
The clean-lined, rectangular form of the development goes well with the urban fabric for the historical buildings, as well as current and future developments around the site, while the twin towers symbolically signifies the gateway to the Hongkou district.
The contemporary architecture with oriental overtones serves as a large visual that accentuates the city’s distinctive history and identity, creating a landmark along the signature Shanghai skyline along the Suzhou Creek.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Shanghai Landmark Center
Location: Shanghai, China
Completion Date: 2016
Gross Floor Area: 161,000 square metres
Client/Owner: HKC (Holdings) Ltd
Architecture Firm: Aedas
Director: Cary Lau
Images: Aedas
