Celebrating luxury – Shanghai Wuzhou International Plaza by SDA + Shenzhen Architectural Design Institute

“Urban Canyon” is recently awarded entry for colossal, 180,000 square meters mixed-use complex in Shanghai, China. Expressive and dynamic design for Shanghai Wuzhou International Plaza is a result of successful collaboration between Synthesis Design + Architecture and Shenzhen General Architectural Design Institute. The very form of the complex was inspired by traditional Chinese concept of Yin and Yang – massive development is broken in two pieces, allowing circulation flow between. Both volumes are organized as a collection of two 30 story towers and series of detached retail units. Northern block houses 4 story luxury retail shopping center and a 5 star hotel tower, while southern part facilitates two office towers and lifestyle and entertainment complex. This urban sculpture is new landmark for the city and iconic celebration of luxury, wealth and good life.

Vibrant nature of this unique entity reflects vivid urban metropolis of Shanghai. However, the development is thoughtfully designed – guided by user’s comfort, architects provided series of framed views within the site along with series of green areas, in order to soften the urban condition and ensure natural shading.

Pattern of the cladding merges façade with the roof and podium of the complex with the tower, therefore mimicking the river that has carved the “canyon”. Standing-seam titanium zinc panels are to be used for façade, while the roof is covered with double standing-seam titanium zinc panels. Constant maintenance of the building is avoided due to material’s patina – layer of zinc carbonate, which regenerates itself and is resistant to corrosion.