First opened in 1997, Shanghai Times Square has become one of Shanghai‘s preferred shopping grounds for aficionados of the good life. But ever since, this sprawling city has seen its shopping infrastructure expand and diversify, and to such an extent, the mall gradually lost its lustre and appeal, and began losing ground to other A-grade shopping destinations in town. Following a thorough two-year redevelopment, supervised by acclaimed Tokyo-based practice nendo, Shanghai Times Square has reopened its doors to discerning shoppers, revealing a serene, all-white aesthetic across nine floors and two basement levels. The original mall building had been much rebuilt and expanded upon, resulting in zigzagging traffic lines and exceedingly poor visibility through the building. While there were many atriums, their shape were not contributing to the sense of connection with the upper floors. The central ground floor passage has now been straightened and opened up by cleverly rearranging the atriums and elevators have been relocated.
This way, the upper floors have become visible to shoppers on the ground floor and hopefully lure them upstairs. The redevelopment has resulted in a layout which resembles a theatre, featuring different levels with different functions and facilities. Screens made of aluminium pipes were inspired by stage curtains draping over the building façade and atrium. An image mirroring the draping design was also applied on the main pillars and stone wall finish. An arch-shaped motif frames the front of a stage, the proscenium arch, and is actively applied to partitions, furniture, and even lighting in anticipation of an added softness and intimacy to the space. Box seating break areas protruding out to the atrium and a royal box-like VIP lounge were also added. From the food court evocative of a piano keyboard to a sundry shop floor with a spotlight motif, the interior is accordingly dotted with multiple design elements reminiscent of a theatre.
Shanghai Times Square
99 Huaihai Zhong Lu (Lujiazui)
200003 Shanghai
Telephone: +86 21 31228766
Daily 10-10
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