The project site is situated in the heart of Nantong Nengda Business District, enjoying excellent transportation links. To the south, it connects to the expressway via Xinghu Avenue, separated by a 40-meter-wide public green belt. The southwest corner of the site is planned to host a subway station, while Tongsheng Avenue borders the west side. Adjacent to the west lies the core area of the Nengda Development Zone, with Shimao Yuehuo City to the southwest. The land itself is flat and square-shaped.
The first phase of the commercial mall, crafted through various architectural designs, has been completed. Its massive commercial volume rises like an eagle spreading its wings over the core area of Nengda Business District, divided into north and south sections with extended wings. The structure is segmented into blocks, creating a visual effect of lightness and transparency.
As part of the project’s second phase, the city square is positioned as a vibrant extension of the Nengda Development Zone’s commercial flagship. The project underwent extensive research from early planning to formal implementation. Taking advantage of its proximity to commercial centers, the design features a flexible and dynamic commercial street model. Unlike enclosed shopping malls, this dynamic, streamlined design fosters a lively atmosphere, accommodating both the commercial foot traffic and the open crowds of the development zone through a multi-level circulation system.
The architectural design of the city square integrates seamlessly with the first phase, creating a unified commercial cluster. This cluster generates a complete commercial interface while thoughtfully segmenting commercial and private areas according to the project’s product types. The main tower is strategically located on the northwest side to minimize disruption to commercial traffic and residential sunlight, with two simple twin towers forming the overall high point.
One tower has been contracted by Hyatt House Hotel, establishing a business reception hub within the development zone. The other tower will serve as high-end residential apartments for talent supporting the zone. The high-quality residential area, Xinghu County, is located on the northeast side of the site, linking naturally with the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
The overall design of Xinghu City Square follows a topographical strategy, with higher elevations in the north and west, gradually lowering towards the south and east, creating a cohesive cluster layout. The design carefully considers phased implementation and the overall atmosphere to cultivate the most vibrant commercial district through the extension and interaction of various blocks.
Urban design principles were applied to analyze the surrounding building volumes and height restrictions. Taking into account the proposed headquarters building to the north and the existing residential buildings in the Yajule community, the project’s building heights progressively decrease from north to south, providing a smooth transition in scale.
Development Steps:
Step 1: The southwest corner acts as a transportation hub and pedestrian gathering square, serving as a key connection between the east and west plots of AEON. This area features an open block entrance and a small cultural activity plaza.
Step 2: Extending from this origin, commercial blocks line both sides. On the west, the site creates a continuous urban commercial interface with inner-street style shops, maximizing commercial value and architectural space. The south side adopts a dynamic commercial approach with an open street layout to enhance visibility and commercial vitality.
Step 3: Following principles of land movement and stillness, a hotel tower is positioned in the northwest corner to create a high point. The west side connects to the commercial area, forming an inner-street commercial district. The southeast corner features main roads creating a complete urban interface with community-supporting commercial facilities for nearby residential parks.
Step 4: All commercial volumes are interconnected by a three-dimensional transportation platform, expanding into large commercial activities and outdoor spaces, fostering architectural opportunities for interaction and experience.
Step 5: The southern commercial area incorporates a migratory pedestrian entrance design.
Step 6: The top commercial area converges back to the origin, forming a rooftop green space.
Xinghu City Square symbolizes the origin of happiness, the dawn of a new era, and renewal. It connects to the Commercial Mall via an urban auxiliary road designed to create a multi-level platform on the second floor. This design resolves height disparities among different commercial zones and creates an engaging space between the large commercial volume and the dynamic commercial block, avoiding the typical narrow connections.
The design’s dynamic volume and modern architectural style, inspired by Yongwangmao, provide a solid foundation for the project. The city square maintains a smooth, modern aesthetic as its core theme. Expansive glass surfaces maximize commercial display opportunities and ensure strong visual connections with external commercial zones. Aluminum lines are strategically placed to align with equipment locations, reinforcing a sense of modernity and fashion.
The architecture fosters a fluid space, intentionally avoiding restrictive elements. It invites commercial activities and experiential users to become the true protagonists, allowing the space to evolve organically and expand.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Form Generation Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Shanghai Big and Small Architectural Design Firm
Area: 474,516 square meters
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Liu Lei
Lead Architect: Li Yao
Design Team: Wu Zheng, Gao Haijin, Sun Tao, Xiang Chen, Wu Zengliang
Client: Jiangsu Xinghu Real Estate Co., Ltd
Construction Drawing Design: Shanghai Zhongjian Architectural Design Institute Co., Ltd
Location: Nantong City, China
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up