Known as the street with 1,000 red jars, this project is deeply rooted in Shanghai’s former French Concession. For French architect Jean Nouvel, it was a great honor to design an urban space that harmonizes with the area’s unique character—its French paulownia trees, narrow streets, and livable landscapes. Situated between Madang Road and Danshui Road, this creation is compelling: serving as a shortcut and a vibrant city-commercial corridor, it revitalizes the surrounding environment by fully reconstructing the spatial flow. The design features a tall, narrow street that is both covered and protected.
The buildings are thoughtfully integrated with their location, creating unique and unexpected walking experiences. The open architectural design reflects the geometric layout of the area. At both entrances on Madang Road and Danshui Road, the beige exterior allows glimpses of stunning light, vibrant colors, and lush greenery within the interiors.
The elevated walkway and a small bridge create a two-story commercial street nestled between two flower walls. These walls are adorned with ceramic jars filled with various plants, contributing to a lush and colorful atmosphere.
The shops facing each other, the office activities, and rooftop restaurants together create a familiar yet naturally vibrant street atmosphere. This design encourages a pleasant walking experience, forming an engaging journey between Madang Road and Danshui Road. Adjustable shutter slats create a play of light and shadow, adding an air of mystery to the windows framed by large flower pots. These spaces are protected and showcase a plant art exhibition featuring diverse flowers and seasonal colors.
The hallway walls are painted in a rich palette including brown, yellow brown, orange, and various shades of red. This attention to detail is designed to enrich Huaihai Road in Shanghai with this unique new open and covered street—aptly named the ‘Street with 1,000 Red Jars.’
Project Information
Project type: Multifunctional buildings including office spaces and commercial retail
Location: Luwan District, China
Architect: Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Floor area: 40,000 m²
Year: 2021
Record Architect: Tianhua Group
Structural Design: Tianhua Xuzhoutongyu Steel Structure
Landscape Design: WAA
Studio Manager: Stefan Zopp
Project Manager: Chen Chen
Design Team: Lorenzo Grondona, Guillermo Gonzalez Gutierrez, Jiayu Ma, Serena Minacci, Seung Paik, Natasha Rieffel, Cécilia Simonetta, Mercé Solar, Chiara Violi
Design Development: Xiaofei Liu, Yuhui Xu
Design Execution: Xiaofei Liu, Jiawei Zeng
Interior Design: Sabrina Letourneur, Jim Rhone
Landscape Design: Ophélie Bouvet, Isabelle Guillaud
Trainees: Research: Jiayu Ma, Joyce Moke, Irène Valitutto; Execution: Xinyu Yan
Design Sketch: Michael Kafassis, Mizuho Kishi
3D Modeling: Ikbal Bouaita, Simon Masson
Graphic Artists: Marlène Gaillard, Eugénie Robert, Nathalie Sacco De Franchi, Father Takham
Model Maker: Urszula Tyszkiewicz
Cost Consultant: CIFI Group Co. Ltd
Structural Design Partner: P&T Shanghai
Facade Design: RFR
Facade Construction: Shanghai Chengxuan Architecture Engineering
Mechanical Services Engineering: P&T Shanghai, Tianhua
Landscape Partner: Aspect
Landscape Planning: Beudouxing
Lighting Design: Hervé Descottes
Photography: Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Photo © 10 Studio. Hengji Xuhui Xintiandi / The Roof
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