ASPECT Studios: Vanke, Xijiu Plaza is located at the centre of Shipingqiao retail hub. Vanke Group has the vision of developing Xijiu Plaza into a vibrant urban space for the younger generation to work, live and play. Previously a hospital site, it will be redeveloped as an urban mixed-use development comprising residential and LOFT towers with supporting retail facilities and roof gardens.
The design captures the site’s heritage and its distinct topography. The Chongqing mountains and rivers are reflected with graphic pavement patterns, linear water features, raised planters with integrated timber seats and concrete steps forming a semi-enclosed space. Elevating the edges of the site strengthened and focussed view lines to the mall.
Historical steel industrial elements are used as feature pavement inlays in the main plaza and acknowledges the sites’ former use and importance to the local community as both a steel fabrication area and a community based hospital. Lighting is a holistic part of the overall design comprising catenary cables and feature up-lighting to Fig trees. Three large Jacaranda trees in the centre island provide shade and a signature element to hold the site within human scale against the backdrop of an urban city.
The plaza encourages engagement and activity between people within the community, those from different age groups with different interests, resulting in a dynamic, memorable and innovative urban space which is still distinctively Chongqing.
Project Title: Vanke Chongqing Xijiu Plaza
Location: Jiulongpo, Chongqing, China
Client: Vanke Group
Team: ASPECT Studios
Year: 2013
Area size: 26,000 square metres
Photography: Andrew Lloyd
Designers: ASPECT Studios /
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