Following on from its Masterplanning of the Qiantan Central Business District, Benoy has completed the Architecture and Interior Design of The New Bund World Trade Center (Phase I); an integral component of the Qiantan Commercial Development in Lujiazui, Shanghai. Construction of the centre was recently finished and tenant fit-outs are currently underway.
The project includes two 135-metre grade‑A office towers to the east and a three-storey commercial district to the west. In keeping with the goal of creating a new and dynamic lifestyle hub for the city, The New Bund World Trade Centre is designed as a sustainable business destination featuring a pedestrian-friendly layout incorporating an abundance of green spaces.
Spanning 15,000m2, the partially external podium offers outdoor spaces, double-decked pedestrian walkways, verdant planting, retail outlets and al fresco dining to create a multi-level recreational oasis for office workers, visitors and nearby residents. An open plaza network has been designed to deliver ample public outdoor space and a variety of areas to relax and unwind during lunch breaks and after work. Rooftop gardens and terraces bring life to the development and blend the commercial centre with the natural environment.
Supporting the pedestrian-centric design, bridges have been introduced on the second level to connect the office towers and commercial podiums, allowing people to move between buildings quickly and easily. The walkways are enclosed in glass and overlook the podiums beneath, reinforcing the visual connection with the vibrant heart of the scheme. Another connecting walkway is located below ground on the car-parking level to improve accessibility.
At the podium level, a variety of materials have been used to bring diversity to the spaces. Ceramic plates, metal sheets and glass curtain walls help showcase the evolving architectural language.
With an official opening due to be announced for 2018, The New Bund World Trade Centre (Phase I) is set to be a thriving addition to Shanghai’s new financial district.
Read more from Benoy’s Director Qin Pang, about the design of the project here.
