L City: A human-scale, experiential retail destination in Zhangjiang Science City
L City – Lujiazui Group’s flagship commercial development in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Science City – officially opened on 6 December 2025. Benoy delivered full interior design services for the project, shaping thematic, immersive and human-centric spaces for Zhangjiang’s professional and family communities. Positioned as an ‘Intelligent Lifestyle Exploration Centre’, the development introduces a new model of urban living where technology, culture and nature come together.
Associate Director of Interior Design Frank Xu, together with team members Sherilyn Yin, Linjuan Zhang, Lyra Zhang, Leon Zou and Linhong Jiang, attended the opening ceremony alongside the client to celebrate this milestone.
A concept shaped by exploration
Reflecting Zhangjiang’s spirit of scientific innovation, the project introduces a multisensory retail environment anchored by a solar system-inspired concept. Spanning five plots across 166,000m², each planet-inspired zone – Saturn, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Mercury – contributes to a cohesive narrative that encourages exploration.
Nearly 300 brands opened on launch day, spanning fashion retail, smart fitness, digital experiences, dining, entertainment, home living and family-oriented concepts. Around 80 of these are first stores or specialty formats, strengthening L City’s role as a unique commercial destination.
A human-centred design strategy
Zhangjiang’s urban character has long been defined by its role as a ‘technology highland’, with daily life shaped by point-to-point movement between the home and workplace. Our interiors introduce a warm, human-scale environment that encourages social interaction, dwell time and exploration. Art, colour, natural textures and playful elements soften the district’s technological backdrop.
Distinctive spaces – such as the Saturn Atrium, Venus Atrium and the futuristic Floating Island – create varied atmospheres that feel approachable and community-oriented, grounding the project in everyday life.
To strengthen connectivity and create key moments, we included three signature features:
• Discovery Space – defined by a large-format LED installation that acts as a visual anchor;
• Time-Space Bridge – a sculptural arched corridor that guides circulation; and,
• Cloud Community – a three-storey vertical social hub supporting diverse activities.
IP integration anchored in spatial logic
L City is the latest milestone in our long-term collaboration with Lujiazui Group. During its opening season, the development partnered with Disney China to present the Toy Story 30th Anniversary activation. Seven immersive installations – including a full recreation of Andy’s room and themed pop-up retail – were seamlessly integrated into the interiors. Benoy’s spatial narrative allowed these IP elements to merge naturally with the environment, demonstrating how experiential design and interior architecture can not only accommodate but also elevate each other.
A development uniting innovation and everyday life
From its planetary theme to its distinctive experiential spaces, L City balances scientific innovation with everyday life, supporting Zhangjiang’s ongoing industry – city integration.
With its opening, L City has become not only a commercial landmark but also a catalyst for a more connected and liveable district, contributing to Shanghai’s ambition to build an international centre for scientific and technological innovation.
Images courtesy of L CITY.
