The project is located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, positioned as the primary facade on the south bank of the Suzhou River, directly facing the Sihang Warehouse on the opposite side of the river. It plays a significant role in Shanghai’s urban revitalization strategy known as “One River, One Creek.” Initially established in 1989 as the Shanghai Wireless Radio Instrument Factory, the building underwent a renovation and now operates as the Nanjing East Road Street Community Service Center (Zero-Distance Homeland). In 2023, it received recognition as an exemplary case in Shanghai’s “15-Minute Living Circle” initiative.
Integration of Greenery
Upon the initial examination, the square grey-white structure of the building appeared juxtaposed with the expansive Suzhou River waterfront. However, the proliferation of ivy across the walls injected life into this seemingly rigid form, while the breathtaking view of the Suzhou River from the rooftop added a touch of splendor. These sporadic bursts of vitality conveyed the pulse of the city, offering insights and inspiration for our creative journey. Our objective is to uphold the ecological essence of the building through a “landscape memory” concept. This entails enhancing the original facade, opening up the northwest corner, and introducing lush vegetation by dismantling barriers. By harmonizing the existing framework and incorporating projecting steel platforms, we aim to craft a funnel-shaped landscape staircase known as the “Suzhou Green Funnel.” This innovative feature serves as both a vertical passageway and an extension of the urban greenery, seamlessly linking the riverfront to the rooftop, providing a serene environment for relaxation and communing with nature.
Functional Diversity
Constrained by the building’s dimensions, we vertically stack diverse functions: the ground level accommodates a party venue, community service center, and a café, with a convenient entrance facing the southern road; the second story houses a community dining area, a senior day care facility, and an urban library; the third and fourth levels are designated for senior care services; the fifth floor encompasses a gym and a versatile hall; while the rooftop is reimagined as a communal urban terrace. To foster inclusivity and cohesion, we selectively unveil sections of the first, second, and fifth floors, creating spaces for exhibitions, interactions, and leisure activities. Leveraging intelligent zoning and time-based control mechanisms, we strike a harmonious balance between safety and public accessibility.
Community Engagement
The functional layout caters to residents of all age groups, promoting community engagement and solidarity, nurturing a sense of camaraderie, and fostering a welcoming ambiance akin to a “home away from home.” The ground floor features open corners with accessible communal areas and windows overlooking the river; the second level connects indoor and outdoor spaces through semi-open platforms and multiple entry points; communal activity zones encircle the atrium on the third to fifth floors. By enriching shared, open, and visible public spaces, we transform the building into a vertical community center for collective interactions.
Rooftop Oasis
The magnificent terrace along the Huangpu segment of the Suzhou River offers sweeping vistas of the entire waterway. Seamlessly blending with the building, the roof creates diverse recreational zones. A verdant pathway links the ground floor to the rooftop, complementing the scenic allure of the south bank. The terrace encompasses fitness areas, a theater, walking paths, flower beds, and observation pavilions, enriching the rooftop space with enhanced public value and vibrancy. It serves as a miniature vertical park, presenting an open layout with unobstructed pathways devoid of barriers; it embodies an internalized communal space where individuals of all ages can relish the warmth and hospitality of the city throughout the year; it represents a minimally intervened composite system, establishing a fresh multifunctional usage model while preserving the structural framework; it stands as the most enchanting urban terrace, an ideal spot for admiring the Suzhou River, and a captivating feature along the river’s scenic landscape.