dongqi design wraps shanghai mixed-use complex in steel frames and shifting facades

"dongqi Design has transformed three existing structures in downtown Shanghai's Jing'an District into a mixed-use complex integrating , exhibition, food and beverage, and programs. The project reconfigures a three-story - building facing the street to the north, an 8-meter-high former factory building, and a single-story brick-concrete structure to the south into an interconnected yet functionally distinct ensemble. The northern three-story building accommodates a leisure area on the ground floor, with office spaces on the second and third levels."

"A dark gray external sunshade curtain system has been added to the facade, with its tracks and electromechanical components enclosed in horizontal stainless steel tubes. These tubular elements unify the elevation and establish a consistent proportional order. The upper-floor window openings have been reconfigured with operable steel plates on the interior side and fixed glazing on the exterior, allowing the windows to function as display surfaces. Integrated lighting enhances their visibility."

"The ground-floor leisure space is organized around tall elm tables designed for standing use, encouraging circulation and informal interaction. Existing wall textures are retained, while a hot-rolled steel counter serves both interior and exterior areas. Large hopper windows along the street lift upward toward the ceiling, integrating the interior with the public realm when open. Their tracks are concealed within stainless steel wall and ceiling surfaces, reinforcing material continuity."

Three existing buildings in Jing'an District were reconfigured into an interconnected mixed-use complex combining exhibition, food and beverage, leisure, and office programs. A three-story northern building contains ground-floor leisure space and offices above, with a dark gray external sunshade curtain whose tracks and electromechanical components are enclosed in horizontal stainless-steel tubes that unify the elevation. Upper-floor windows were fitted with interior operable steel plates and exterior fixed glazing to serve as illuminated display surfaces. The ground floor features tall elm standing tables, retained wall textures, and a hot-rolled steel counter; large hopper windows lift into the ceiling and conceal their tracks within stainless-steel wall and ceiling surfaces to connect interior and street.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine