The project is situated on Jinhai Road in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. Originally, the site housed a bathhouse converted from an old factory building, characterized by a simple, singular spatial layout. Years of neglect have left the structure dilapidated, with little to no discernible industrial architectural features or historical significance.
△ Partial exterior view of the building © Su Shengliang
During the redesign process, Benzhe Architecture redefined the relationships among seven independent buildings, dismantling the original spatial layout and systematically reconstructing the spatial hierarchy. By introducing varied and flexible unit combinations, the design fosters creative spatial use to promote sustainable development in the surrounding area, highlighting the positive impact of architectural design on urban renewal.
△ Art Center © Su Shengliang
The Tianwu Art Center, which combines a bookstore and fashion show space, stands adjacent to the main building like a large, breathing glass box. Its façade is enriched with a series of arranged metal frame poles, featuring a dynamic interplay between solid and void elements. The upper space preserves the original steel truss, which is raw and industrial, while a wooden ceiling adds warmth. A newly introduced skylight bathes the interior in natural light, allowing the building to breathe and infusing the space with vitality. This contrasts beautifully with the smooth, minimalist concrete flooring.
△ Main Building © Su Shengliang
The main building forms a U-shaped structure overall. Both the left and right façades have been extensively cut and shifted, transforming the original flat wall into a staggered, three-dimensional composition. The external staircase and ring wall, constructed from black weather-resistant steel, extend like thick branches, growing in various directions. This creates a dynamic rhythm and strong visual tension, embodying a postmodern architectural style.
△ Hall © Su Shengliang
△ Hall corridor © Su Shengliang
△ Hall structural details © Su Shengliang
Passing through the naturally lit and warm hall, visitors climb the folded staircase. Sunlight filters through porous walls, creating a starry pattern that illuminates the interior space.
△ Tower © Su Shengliang
The tower has been transformed into a spiritual beacon for the complex. Corridors above the second floor of the main building connect multiple structures, intersecting and extending in different directions. This design provides residents with privacy while also offering platforms for exploration and interaction.
Building 7 © Su Shengliang
Originally a two-story building, Building 7 was reduced to a single story during renovation, making it the only one-story structure in the complex and visually shorter than the others. To address this, the design updated part of the mountain-facing wall, creating a visual balance. A rest platform and outdoor landscaping were added. The building’s exterior features a spatial hierarchy crafted from red bricks, harmoniously blending old and new elements. This transformation clarifies and organizes what was once a simple and chaotic functional space. The raised brick pattern on the side wall and an open window at the corner break the flatness, creating a distinctive architectural memory.
Building 4 © Su Shengliang
Building 4 is defined by cast-in-place concrete walls with wood grain texture combined with corrugated steel panels, expressing the building’s simplest and most natural character. It complements the surrounding structures harmoniously. A sunken water feature in the rest area creates a tranquil space for relaxation and social interaction.
Red Brick Houses and Small Western-Style Buildings © Su Shengliang
The original red brick buildings and small Western-style structures from the Republic of China period have been preserved. The old entrance gate was replaced with an industrial copper arch, adding a refined and delicate visual element. Inside, the space blends modern aesthetics with Chinese elements, elevating the core of Shanghai-style architecture and infusing it with gentle vitality and a soothing atmosphere.
△ Building Details © Su Shengliang
△ Architectural Appearance © Su Shengliang
FOR Tianwu Space reinterprets and reconstructs the relationship between time and space through spatial reallocation, giving the architecture new life. This approach embodies the inclusiveness of urban renewal, enabling the complex to adapt to future functional needs. Committed to exploring the connection between architecture, humanity, and nature, Benzhe Architecture continues its journey of innovation.
△ Original Appearance
△ General Layout Plan
△ Main Building Facade
△ Main Building Side Facade
△ Art Center Facade
△ Front Facade of Building 4
△ Front Facade of Building 7
Project Information
Project Name: FOR Tianwu Space
Owner: Shanghai Jiayun Investment Management Development Co., Ltd
Location: No. 18 Jinhai Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Design Firm: Shanghai Benzhe Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Company Website: www.benzhedesign.com
Building Area: 15,380 m²
Principal Architect: Jiang Huajian
Design Team: Yao Ruigen, Lin Tong
Design Period: October 2018 – February 2019
Construction Start: December 2018
Completion Date: March 2020
Graphic Design: Benzhe Architectural Design
Photography by Su Shengliang
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