Goal Architecture turns Xintiandi purchasing shopping mall atrium into plant-crammed plaza

Purchasing centres really don’t have to “vibrant, white and shiny” according to Goal Architecture, which has transformed the Xintiandi mall in Shanghai by adding natural products and plants.


The beforehand underused atrium has been reimagined in the spirit of a backyard plaza, with picket surfaces, vegetation hanging down from the balconies and natural light filtering in from previously mentioned.

Xintiandi atrium by AIM Architecture
A wood trellis framework now frames the atrium

Architect Wendy Saunders, co-principal of Intention Architecture, claimed the goal was to bring mother nature into a style of room that is ordinarily extremely sterile.

“The sheer scale and total of searching malls in Asia can be frustrating,” she advised Dezeen. “Components are normally really bright, white and shiny, and lack any normal sensation or natural environment.”

“Here, we experimented with to defy that,” she claimed. “Supplies have been preferred to increase the experience of an oasis.”

Xintiandi atrium by AIM Architecture
Plants aspect throughout the interior

AIM’s initial go was to open up up a skylight that experienced been partly coated in excess of. This indicates that organic gentle can now filter into the Xintiandi atrium from all about.

A wooden trellis construction was mounted close to the 3 flooring of galleries that encompass the atrium. This acts a aid structure for substantial planting boxes, which are stuffed with tropical greenery.

Plants in Xintiandi atrium by AIM Architecture
Planting bins are mounted on castors for versatility

There are also some larger sized planters in the center of the atrium, containing a mix of trees, leafy vegetation and succulents. These packing containers are established on castors, so they can be simply moved about if necessary.

“Initially we preferred big trees in the atrium planters,” reported Saunders, “but with the weight, and also the will need for adaptability for the plaza, it produced perception to lessen to a additional manageable size.”

Zones in Xintiandi atrium by AIM Architecture
Teams of rugs develop smaller zones within just the place

Intention built these planters, as perfectly as a sequence of bench seats that are styled to really feel like park home furniture. They are organized above 4 teams of pure-fibre carpets, which support to crack down the place into zones.

“It was crucial for us to create areas where by people today could sit and not experience misplaced in the place,” additional Saunders.

The final result is a space that can purpose as a spot in its have suitable, somewhat than simply as a changeover area between the entrance and the shops.

Saunders hopes the area will grow to be equally as vibrant as the pedestrianised streets that Xintiandi is recognized for.

Benches in Xintiandi atrium by AIM Architecture
Bench seats are created to really feel like park home furniture

“As an architect and resident of Shanghai, a city of 25 million, I am often really conscious of the truth that the city should have more destinations wherever people can get away of the hustle and bustle of metropolis lifetime,” she said.

“If built perfectly, office lobbies and purchasing mall atriums could develop into a new variety of semi-general public place.”

Hanging plants in Xintiandi atrium by AIM Architecture
Tropical vegetation dangle down from planting boxes on the higher stages

Saunders sales opportunities Intention Architecture together with Vincent de Graaf. Other assignments by the studio include the apothecary-style Harmay splendor store in Hong Kong and Ruff Properly Drinking water Vacation resort in Sichuan.

Photography is by Wen Studio.


Project credits

Client: SHUI ON
Design principals: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
Job manager: Cindy Xu
Task architect: Davide Signorato
Inside group: Mavis Li, Ning Cai
FFE Team: Peichin Lee