△ View of the Clean Water Pool Cafe from the surrounding landscape pool
The Clean Water Pool Cafe is situated within the Yangshupu Power Plant Ruins Park. The clean water tank was originally part of the industrial wastewater treatment system at the power plant, typically arranged in groups. The century-old Yangshupu Power Plant officially ceased operation in December 2010. In June 2015, renovation work began on the public space along the southern section of Yangpu Binjiang, including the power plant area.
Upon first visiting the site, we found the main structures of two water purification tanks mostly intact; however, the internal equipment was decayed, and the surrounding ground and outer enclosure had suffered years of neglect and deterioration. These two tanks are located between the power plant and the Binjiang dock area, set in a wild grass field with excellent views. We envisioned creating a shaded, cool resting space here—a place where visitors could sit comfortably and enjoy the surroundings from all angles.
△ Site plan of the Clean Water Pool Coffee Shop area
Initially, we aimed to preserve the original funnel-shaped steel structure of the clean water tank. Unfortunately, this plan was not feasible. What remained were 24 column foundations hidden within the wasteland, supported by two large circular bases each measuring 20 meters in diameter. Beneath the surface, strip foundations originally designed to support heavy machinery were also present, mostly buried underground. We adapted our design approach accordingly, sinking the main functional area and repurposing the original circular chassis foundations as the new floor. The strip foundations were incorporated as “fixed furniture,” fully utilizing their structural presence.
Excavated old foundation on site
With the upper structure lost, we needed a new solution to provide shade and shelter from rain. We selected a split cone arch surface—a three-dimensional form that can be unfolded and easily fabricated with metal templates. This design allows for modular division and combination. The roof consists of 18 radial reinforced concrete split cone shells connected continuously to balance horizontal thrust between adjacent units. A 6-meter diameter concrete ring beam crowns the roof’s apex, while a ground beam at the base balances the axial thrust of the shell structure. The result is a lightweight, flat, column-free roof system.
The straight and gently curved surfaces evoke the traditional resting pavilion, while the overall flat and stable form conveys dynamic energy, as if breaking free from the ground.
Calculation model of the radial split cone arch shell roof structure with integral pouring
Calculation model of the radial split cone arch shell roof structure with integral pouring
△ Radial split cone arch shell steel formwork
△ Entirely poured radial split cone arch shell roof
The Clean Water Pool Cafe’s functional spaces include a bathroom, a light meal preparation area, and a dining zone. These are divided into two categories: transparent glass curtain-walled areas and enclosed sections with anodized aluminum partitions. These functional modules are discreetly nestled between the new roof and the old circular foundation.
△ Aerial view of the roof
△ Inner courtyard
△ Functional zoning
△ Structural disassembly diagram
In this space steeped in history, we deliberately avoided creating a heart-shaped enclosed form. Instead, we designed a fragmented spatial arrangement where visitors can wander, explore, pause, and relax freely, without a defined destination.
View from outside looking into the inner courtyard
△ View from the infinity pool towards the riverbank and tower crane
△ View of the dining area from the inner courtyard
△ Section diagram
△ Detailed drawing of wall structure
Project Information
Project Type: Café Renovation
Location: Shanghai, China
Designer: Tongji Original Design Studio
Area: 300 m²
Year: 2019
Photographer: Octopus Seeks Architecture
Lead Architects: Zhang Ming, Zhang Zi, Qin Shu
Design Team: Li Jing, Li Xuefeng
Other Participants: Shanghai Yangpu Binjiang Investment and Development Co., Ltd.
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