A former industrial area is transformed into a rich new urban environment that provokes a sense of discovery and curiosity, providing contrasts and variations to engage the people who live, work and relax there.
Inspired by the idea of ‘1,000 moments’, the development is an assemblage of buildings and connecting spaces. These are rooted in the site’s historical and cultural context to turn a semi-derelict site into a modern, multi-use destination that’s adaptable to future change. The design intent was to create an authentic sense of place, unique to the beautiful city of Hangzhou, using the remaining fragments of the industrial past to create something familiar, but entirely new. The site comprises five plots, bookended by historical factories and bisected by a major road. Without a defined urban structure, the eccentricities and challenges of the plots became opportunities for interesting features – such as the iconic bridge connecting the two sides of the master plan.
An assemblage of human-scaled architecture – retail podium, offices, hotel and residences – picks up on industrial motifs and local materiality. Varied public spaces, including plazas, forecourts, arcades, market halls, canal walks and landscaped rooftops, draw people through the site to create diverse experiences and a vibrant new destination.
