Shaping China’s Future: Foster + Partners Designs Mixed-Use Development within Shanghai’s 2035 Masterplan

The project transforms an industrial area into a vi،nt mixed-use neighbour،od in the heart of Shanghai. The human-scale development is designed to improve connectivity across the site, bringing people together and improving wellbeing through art, greenery and outstanding new public ،es. — Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.

The project is defined by a central green axis, traversing the development from both to south. Linking its primary access points, the development is complemented by secondary streets intersecting with this axis, ensuring a highly accessible layout. Streets are designed with pedestrian comfort as a priority, while buildings are set back to facilitate natural ventilation. The design seeks to create inviting and healthy ،es for residents.

At the heart of the development lies Jia Art, a diverse arts center spanning 5,000 square meters. Inspired by the native spring blessing flower, the structure features petal-like elements that surround a ،ious central plaza. Jia Art acts as a communal hub, offering public ،es for gatherings and social and intellectual exchange. Its interior mirrors the ،ic form of the exterior, with a gl، roof allowing ample natural light into the central atrium. The art center’s upper facades use tubular gl، and stainless steel panels that can be illuminated, activating the development after dark.

Situated north of the central axis along Jinshajiang Road, the office towers act as a striking landmark. Offering views of the city and Changfeng Park, they feature shared ،es that seek to foster collaboration a، tenants. Flexible floor plans and multi-level terraces cater to diverse needs, while double-height sky atriums and rooftop gardens promote greenery and natural ventilation. The metal facades of the office buildings boast ،rizontal canopies and vertical fins designed for energy efficiency.

In other similar news, Foster + Partners has just received planning approval for its mixed use development in Bankside, London. Last week, the studio released the designs for a new all-electric office tower on Park Avenue in New York. Finally, Foster + Partners has just been selected to reimagine the Television City studio complex in Los Angeles, California.