Chongqing is a city full of wonder. Often described as an “8D city” because of its combination of mountains, rivers, and urban landscape, its unique terrain creates a layered and rich architectural environment. Yet, amid rapid real estate development, this mountainous city sometimes feels lost. In certain parts, rows of boxy, cold buildings dominate, leaving visitors wondering where they truly are.
How do we reconnect with the city’s spirit?
In this environment surrounded by monotonous buildings, Luo Bin, the architect from Yuandao, approached the site with childlike wonder and a deep affection for Chongqing’s mountainous character.
Project Introduction
Located alongside a small river in the Tea Garden area of Nan’an District, Chongqing, this project serves as a community commercial hub supporting the Zhongjiao Manshan development.
△ Aerial view
During their initial site survey, the Yuandao design team observed that the surroundings felt cold and lifeless, dominated by indifferent neighboring buildings. The only scene that sparked emotion was a child playing by the river, tossing stones across the water—a moment of genuine vitality in an otherwise bleak landscape. This scene transported the designer back twenty years to summers spent by a small river in their hometown of Wanzhou, playing with friends.
△ Design inspiration
Inspired by the contrast between the cold environment and that lively moment, a new idea emerged: since “stones” were already being tossed by the riverbank, why not incorporate “stones” into the design itself? This became the creative spark for the project.
△ Inspiration realized
Design Evolution
Chongqing’s mountain architecture is characterized by rich construction techniques, especially “setbacks and terraces,” which capture the essence of adapting to the terrain. Building on this, the designer developed spatial forms featuring setback areas, terraces, and elevated grey spaces. The site itself has a 5-meter elevation difference, so the commercial area is organized into multiple levels:
- The first level aligns with the riverbank park, a flat, green public space.
- The second level corresponds to the municipal road above.
- Two visual corridors are preserved between taller buildings to connect the urban landscape with the riverbank.
Design Presentation
Building on the “stones by the small river” concept, the design manifests as a sculptural ensemble. Three stone-like structures along the riverbank serve as urban public art, enlivening the community.
The buildings’ unique form resembles three diamonds scattered throughout the community, adding artistic flair.
The architecture seamlessly integrates with the riverbank environment, becoming part of the park itself. The visual corridors offer breathing space for the city, connecting urban life with nature.
△ Sectional perspective view
The varied spatial arrangements create diverse commercial possibilities. The first floor opens directly to the riverside park, integrating greenery into retail spaces. The second floor features a rooftop plaza offering a spacious area for events and socializing, with suspended structures adding dynamic grey spaces. The third floor utilizes the second-floor roof as balconies or terraces, providing private leisure zones.
When countless cities leave us feeling lost among cold, monotonous buildings, thoughtful design can reconnect us with the most tender and precious moments of our memories. Compassion for people, respect for local environments, and sincerity in design represent the most vibrant expressions of architecture and form the foundation for better urban living.
△ Construction site map
Project Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Chongqing Nan’an District Tea Garden Zhongjiao Manshan Riverside Commercial
Owner: CCCC Real Estate
Design Firm: Chongqing Yuandao Architectural Planning and Design Co., Ltd
Building Area: 1,947 square meters
Principal Designer: Luo Bin
Design Team: Guo Ziyi, Zhang Junrong, Yang Fan, Tan Pan, Zou Yi
Equipment Specialists: Zhou Jian, Luo Liya, Zhang Yong, Tang Chongyao, Mu Weijie, Lei Ming
Photography Team: Prismlmage Prism
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