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Major mixed-use projects in China, which tend to feature skyscraping towers at their epicentres, often initiate an international design competition to ensure a remarkable end result. The winners of these design competitions are then tasked with seeing massive projects through to completion. On February 22, it was announced that Goettsch Partners out of Chicago and Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary architecture and design studio Lead 8 have won such a contest for a site in Shanghai.
The 264,000-square-metre Financial Street Shanghai Railway Station project is being developed by Financial Street Holding Co. Ltd., a commercial real estate firm in Beijing. Situated on two parcels of land just north of the Shanghai Railway Station, the development includes an array of distinct uses. The western parcel will feature five buildings, broken down into 131,000 square metres of office space, 54,000 square metres of retail, 22,000 square metres of apartment lofts, and a 5,000-square-metre cultural centre. To top it all off, the eastern parcel is poised for a 15,000-square-metre office building and an additional 45,000 square metres of apartment lofts placed atop a 15,000-square-metre retail podium.
Goettsch Partners and Lead 8 collaborated on the master plan for the two plots. Goettsch is leading the design for the residential and office towers, while Lead 8 is in charge of the retail podium architecture on both parcels. The project team hopes the new project will create a thriving new destination within an emerging district. Its strategic location next to one of Shanghai's main train stations will undoubtedly make the complex an easy stop for both residents and tourists. Planned pedestrian linkages above and below grade aim to provide efficient connections to the public transportation network and neighbouring sites.
The development has been planned with the environment in mind. The soaring office towers will host a mix of indoor and outdoor workspaces. At ground level, a series of fountains, pavilions, and green walkways animate the streetscape with a touch of nature. The result is a striking juxtaposition between glass-clad urban canyons and rich abundant foliage.
It's anticipated that the eastern parcel will begin construction in the second quarter of 2016, with the western parcel following shortly thereafter. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
