Shanghai, China
2017
Sector: Commercial
Client: Netease Inc
Project Status: Proposal

Located in the emerging West Bund development of Shanghai, the proposal creates 78,500 m2 internal floor area for mixed useage. In programmtic terms, basement levels accomodate parking, retail and a multimedia space used for Netease E Sport viewing and gaming. At ground floor level reception areas for the hotel and offices above are accommodated alongside further retail areas and a flexible outdoor atrium, which addresses the adjacent park and canal. Further ecommerce and multimedia spaces are provided at first floor level, with flexible floor plate offices accommodated on floors 2-8. The double height hotel social spaces occupy floor 9 and include dining areas, bars and a dramatic outdoor swimming pool overlooking the city, and the park and river of the West Bund. Generous hotel bedrooms with private balconies occupy floors 11-17.

A draped mesh facade connects with the ground to form a new space for the city between nature and sky, that is a gathering space and extension of the park at ground level, and also the principal approach into the building. Planting from the park is encouraged to grow over it to form a verdant canopy to the buildings atrium. This structure also serves as solar shading to the East West facade of the building. This approach of layering and screening, functions both on an environmental control level, and also creates visual intrigument in partially revealing the activities and events present within the buildings interior, and in turn encouraging people to visit and expereince them. The whole project is about experiencing both the inside and out and allowing creative activities to thrive. Plentiful daylight, outdoor terraces and balconies, and views complete the experience.