Located at 2440 Pingliang Road in Shanghai’s Yangpu District, the Shanghai Corduroy Factory was established in the 1980s. Due to shifts in industry, the factory ceased operations. To breathe new life into this forgotten urban area, the goal was to transform the old factory into an innovative community imbued with warmth, influence, and cohesion. FTA was commissioned as the lead designer for the integrated urban renewal and renovation of the corduroy factory site.
The renovation design focuses on preserving the site’s historical memory while highlighting its unique character. The project aims to enhance the site’s visibility and commercial appeal, transforming it into a sought-after destination for both office and residential use.
The design incorporates several key strategies:
Along the street-facing side, the original blue steel serrated factory facade has been optimized to create a textured exterior that pays homage to the corduroy fabric for which the factory was known. This facade now serves as a landmark flagship storefront, sharing the site’s history while boosting its popularity and commercial potential.
To address the challenges of a single traffic flow and lack of separation between pedestrians and vehicles, the design introduces multiple entrances and exits by opening localized passageways. Each building gains independent access, allowing visitors to experience a courtyard-style office environment. The ground-level landscaping continues the corduroy pattern, paying tribute to the site’s industrial history.
To minimize future operational risks, a flexible spatial portfolio was developed. This includes converting the single-story, jagged buildings along the street into loft-style spaces, thereby increasing the commercial value of the existing structures.
A notable design feature is the artistic treatment of the staircases between buildings. Painted in bold, bright yellow, these staircases inject a youthful energy into the community and leave a lasting visual impression on visitors.
FTA also developed a new project identity, naming the revitalized site “Xingong Creative.” The visual branding incorporates a distinctive diagonal graphic element inspired by the architecture itself, unifying the project’s product and brand image and enhancing recognition.
▲ Design of the XinGong Creative Navigation System
Following the renovation, Xingong Creative boasts a refreshed, youthful vibe and hosts a diverse mix of businesses including online live streaming platforms, photography studios, architectural design firms, fitness studios, and interior design companies. This creative and open environment has significantly increased the project’s commercial value, achieving a return on investment in just 1.5 years, marking it as a successful, multi-dimensional urban renewal project utilizing BIM technology.
Before and After Renovation Comparison:
Design Drawings:
▲ Rendering
▲ Elevator Hall
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Fourth Floor Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Elevation View
▲ Elevation View
▲ Elevation View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Details
Project Information:
Project Name: “Shanghai Corduroy Factory” Urban Renewal – Xingong Creative Park
Architectural Firm: Fortier (Shanghai) Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Company Website: __AI_ST_URL_0__
Contact Email: __AI_S_SC0__
Design Period: April 2018
Completion Date: February 2019
Lead Designer and Team: FTA Architectural Design
Project Location: 2440 Pingliang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai
Building Area: 14,000 square meters
Photography: CreatAR Images
Partner: Shanghai Rongma Cultural Development Co., Ltd
Client: Shanghai Rongma Cultural Development Co., Ltd
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