Spanning 2.3 square kilometers of prime riverfront property, Shanghai Taikoo Li Qiantan brings a distinct, elevated lifestyle to the Pudong district. In contrast to the dense high-rises that populate much of Shanghai, the retail, entertainment, and wellness center was conceived as a permeable and highly-connected living room for the city. It completes the existing 3.5 million square-meter master-planned office and residential development for the Qiantan area of the Pudong district, just south of the 2010 World Expo site. In alignment with the vision for this master plan, Shanghai Taikoo Li Qiantan aims to bring a heightened quality of life, through connection to the Huangpu Riverside, the existing Shanghai Oriental Sports Center and surrounding mixed-use, transit-oriented development.

Nine buildings which feature stores, restaurants and cafes, a food court and movie theater will connect to one another and to the adjacent subway station in a series of above- and below-grade escalators, walkways and bridges. The project is distinguished by a central park axis and view corridor to the river and famous Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. A pedestrian loop weaves the north and south sides of the project together with many bridges and paths that span the central park. The park is enriched by a two-level retail building that showcases wrap around LED display and an amphitheater for live performances.

The permeable retail environment is enhanced by a high level of connectivity, both throughout the project, and with adjacent developments within the larger master plan. The mixed-use synergy of the Qiantan Master Plan is further emphasized by convenient interconnections at basement, ground floor and upper level bridges. A large, third-level activity deck, connecting to nearby office space and the Shangri La Hotel, creates a unique gathering space, while other pathways link the project to various nearby amenities and out to the riverside.

As a gateway to Shanghai’s Pudong district, the development integrates a key transit stop, two lines of which run directly underneath the project. As both a town center and an arrival point, Taikoo Li Qiantan is designed to allow the flow of light and air to enter the project and to create a continuous, walkable environment. The human-scale urban space is enhanced by the “street frontage touch line” planning, which shortens the distances between buildings to create a vital urban streetscape. The development capitalizes on the natural elements of the nearby Huangpu river and maintains a high degree of permeability with neighboring projects.

Flow of the river is reflected in the continuous circulation within the project and in the smoothing of the architectural form. The vocabulary of the project evokes the flow of wind or water. Its organic form, softened by gentle undulations, smoothed offsets and curving corners both emulates the riverscape and cultivates the continuous circulation of people and air throughout the project.

Wellness and mindfulness are key elements of the Shanghai Taikoo Li Qiantan design, with biophilia integrated across the project. Generous amounts of verdant landscape are integrated into the façade design at multiple levels to further impact wellness and further enhance a connection to nature. Throughout the retail village, dappled light from high canopy trees and soft green understory will provide a park-like atmosphere. At the fourth level, a one-kilometer jogging path links roof decks, landscaped gardens and wellness areas.

In addition to the lush ribbons of green space that flow throughout the project and out towards the river’s edge, the natural landscape of the area is reflected in the materiality of the project. While much of the plan maintains a village layout that reflects Xintiandi and Sunlintun Village, two buildings feature indoor retail, each reflecting the natural elements along the riverbed: the “Stone House” to the south, and the “Wood House” to the north. Seven buildings around the perimeter of the site are fenestrated with a “white ribbon” facia which brings to mind the flow of the river and draws the exterior of the buildings together, creating a sense of continuity.

As the public front door and town center for the Qiantan Master Plan – also called the New Bund Development – Shanghai Taikoo Li Qiantan will serve as a meeting point and grand welcome for all that the master plan has to offer. As such, the project is the physical manifestation of the lifestyle ambition and visionary planning of Lujiazui and greater Shanghai. The space will integrate robust digital communication and interactivity, not only to showcase the latest in omni-channel retail design, but also to create an authentic sense of connection to the local community.