Shanghai Landmark Center: A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Chinese Architecture

Aedas' Award-Winning Design Merges the Old and New of Shanghai City

The Shanghai Landmark Center is strategically located on the north bank of Suzhou Creek, within the business area across Sichuan North Road and Zhapu Road in Shanghai. The site is surrounded by low-rise residential blocks and a number of historic buildings, creating a unique urban environment. The design of the center is inspired by the traditional Chinese windows from the nearby buildings. This inspiration is interpreted in a contemporary language, creating an impressive motif that sets the tone and identity of the development. The modern interpretation allows less reflectance compared to typical glass towers, and relieves adjacent buildings from light pollution.

The design of the center is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The commercial development retreats from south to north with two towers situated in the south of the site and the retail components in the north, embracing an open central plaza for various outdoor activities. The massing of the complex facilitates daylight penetration and ventilation to the adjoining domestic blocks. The central plaza connects the exterior with the retail components, also extends the circulation from the adjacent communities to the complex.

The unique properties of the Shanghai Landmark Center lie in its ability to create a synergy for the commercial hub and the neighborhood, connecting the old and new of Shanghai city. The clean-lined form goes well with the urban fabric for the historical buildings as well as future developments around the site. The contemporary architecture serves as a large visual that accentuates the city’s unique history and identity, creating a landmark along the Suzhou Creek.

The realization of the design was not without challenges. The needs to reflect the integrity and energy of the historic city in a new development, and ensure maximum flexibility for present and future uses, posed the biggest challenge for this project. However, Aedas successfully overcame these challenges, resulting in a design that is not only visually stunning but also functional and flexible.

The Shanghai Landmark Center is a testament to Aedas' innovative approach to design. The project started in 2009 and was completed in 2016. It is an example of how modern architecture can draw inspiration from traditional elements and blend seamlessly into the urban fabric of a city. The design, which won the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2018, is a testament to the innovative approach of Aedas.

In conclusion, the Shanghai Landmark Center is a stunning example of modern architecture that draws inspiration from traditional elements. It is a testament to the innovative approach of Aedas and their ability to create designs that are not only visually stunning but also functional and flexible. The design of the center is a perfect blend of the old and new, reflecting the unique history and identity of Shanghai city.