Industrial revitalization is the cornerstone of rural renewal, and the flower industry holds a prominent place in Gangyan Town’s development strategy.
This project is situated on the south bank of the river, just south of the flower garden, right at the heart of the flower base, and forms an integral part of the countryside landscape.
01. General Layout Design
Overcoming site constraints, simplifying complex challenges, and redefining spatial relationships
The project site lies south of the flower garden, north of the Xiangyang River, and east of a signal tower and existing buildings. The base is confined to the north side of the road, adjacent to a bridge crossing the river that faces the plot. Early design efforts were challenged by the presence of the signal tower and bridge, which imposed significant limitations.
Key considerations included minimizing the visual and functional impact of the signal tower on the site, harmonizing the relationship between the bridge and site entrances, and making optimal use of the uneven terrain to create a cohesive spatial arrangement that supports the multifunctional needs of the flower garden.
△ Current site conditions and surroundings © TDI-ZEB
Taking into account the land characteristics and project functions, the main entrances and exits were staggered away from the bridge and positioned on the north side. The building facades work together to form a vibrant street gateway, enhancing the vitality of the area. The layout arranges buildings vertically from north to south, with a mountain wall façade facing east to west—this helps to reduce the impact of the eastern signal tower on the site’s interior.
Modular building units are used to create semi-enclosed courtyard spaces, promoting integration with the rural environment.
△ Establishing entrances and organizing circulation © TDI-ZEB
Overall aerial view © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Overall aerial view © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Entrance perspective view – the main entrance faces the street with a recessed frontage area © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Entrance perspective from across the river © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Perspective of the central square – large steps organize circulation and serve as a communal gathering space for pedestrians © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Grand staircase in the central square © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
02. Functional Layout
Organizing a multifunctional space for display and interaction with seamless connectivity
This project is more than just a flower exhibition; it functions as an interactive communication hub.
In addition to serving the flower garden, the project includes spaces for visitor reception, commercial meetings, educational exhibits, dining, and leisure. The challenge was to organize these diverse functions in a simple, coherent manner that facilitates smooth interaction between different areas.
△ Site division plan © TDI-ZEB
Building blocks are separated to create enclosed courtyard spaces © TDI-ZEB
Given that the flower garden lies to the south and a road borders the north, the site is divided into two zones with distinct functions and circulation flows:
- North side [Active & Office Area] – houses the main reception, activity rooms, and the activity center.
- South side [Support Services] – contains flower art schools, exhibition halls, dining facilities, and conference services.
By employing a three-step strategy of “enclosing spaces to attract gatherings,” public areas and open platforms are introduced to organically connect these two functional zones.
△ A two-level platform connects various functions seamlessly © TDI-ZEB
△ Final overall site layout © TDI-ZEB
Perspective view of the atrium space © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Perspective view of the atrium space © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Surrounding Space
The second-floor outdoor platform links key functions and encloses a landscaped atrium, enhancing spatial layers.
△ Second-floor public platform © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Landscape courtyard © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Attracting Visitors
A two-story outdoor platform creates a multi-level “ground,” extending pedestrian activities from indoors to outdoors and increasing spatial engagement.
△ Central square © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Outdoor corridor © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Gathering Activities
The reception center, located on the second floor, features an outdoor landscape platform that serves as a salon-style reception office with excellent views of the surrounding gardens.
△ Second-floor public platform © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Second-floor public platform © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
03. Facade Design
Integrating architecture into the rural environment through thoughtful detailing
Gangyan Town is located in the central-eastern part of Chongming District, which is part of the “Sand Island Style Zone” as defined by Shanghai’s suburban wild village planning guidelines. Local rural architecture features distinctive island-style dwellings that blend Jiangnan and Jiangbei cultures, combining Chinese and Western influences to create a unique style.
This project adopts the style of rural flower houses, harmonizing with the town’s overall character while maintaining the romantic charm of a flower garden. The design achieves a blend of rural elegance and appeal.
△ Building facade © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Architectural details © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Landscape courtyard © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Public space © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Public space © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
△ Public space © Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Project Drawings
△ General layout plan © TDI-ZEB
△ First floor plan © TDI-ZEB
△ Second floor plan © TDI-ZEB
Project Information
Project Name: Gangyan Town Flower Exchange Center
Project Type: Construction Engineering
Designer: Shanghai Chuanglin Architectural Planning and Design Co., Ltd
Design Year: December 2020
Completion Year: April 2023
Chief Creative Designer: He Jia
Project Manager: Zhang Qin
Design Team: Hu Xiaoxia, Zhang Zemin, Chen Hui, Qian Yuxin, Sun Liu Zhengu, Dian Feng, Wei Qian
Project Location: Chongming, Shanghai, China
Building Area: 2,642.5 square meters
Photography: Peng Xiaokai, Zhang Yi
Client: Shanghai Gangyan Asset Management Co., Ltd
Materials: Genuine stone paint, glazed tile coating
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