Shanghai Edge: A Pioneering Mixed-Use Development by Aedas

Revitalizing Suzhou Creek with Innovative Design and Sustainable Strategies

Designed by Ken Wai and Wei Li, Shanghai Edge is a direct response to the city’s zoning regulations. Its unique shape is divided into four stepping tiers, creating dramatic rooftop terraces that serve as leisure areas, informal meeting spaces, or event venues. These outdoor stages for interaction, extensions to the office floors, significantly enhance the tenant’s experience. Most of these terraces face south, highlighting views of Suzhou Creek and improving the overall aesthetic appeal of the building.

Shanghai Edge is not just an architectural marvel but also a prime example of sustainable design. The project incorporates various sustainable design strategies and techniques, including the "Sponge City Strategy", river water source energy center, vacuum garbage collection system, rainwater and reclaimed water recovery systems, and an intelligent building management system. These efforts have earned the project LEED Gold and China Green Building 2 Stars certifications, testifying to its commitment to sustainability.

One of the significant challenges faced during the design process was the metro tunnel beneath the site, which occupied 1/3 of the buildable area within the red line, making the site even narrower. The design team overcame this challenge by uplifting the podium and cantilevering the building volume over the metro facilities, thus gaining more usable space on high levels.

The project's strategic location next to the metro station and the release of nearly 4,000 square meters of open space back to the city highlight its gateway position with its connectivity and permeability. An outdoor escalator brings people directly from ground level to the art gallery on level 2, fully merging arts exhibitions into the city life of Shanghai.

Shanghai Edge's innovative design and commitment to sustainability have earned it the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Shanghai Edge is indeed a testament to Aedas' remarkable level of excellence and innovation in architecture.