△ Aerial view from south to north © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
Located in the EKA Tianwu Art District of Jinqiao District, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, “53 °” occupies the innermost part of the district near Xigou Port. This project transformed a former greenhouse flower house within the green cluster of the industrial heritage from the China Shipbuilding Equipment Factory. The original grouping includes three buildings—497, 499, and 530—dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, which had fallen into disrepair over the years. Commissioned by the property owner, our team undertook the renovation of each building on the site, aiming to preserve the warmth of memories while giving building 530 a fresh new look.
△ Aerial view from north to south © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
Positioning of △ 53 ° within the EKA Tianwu District © Ben Zhe Architecture
The name “53 °” was chosen to reflect the building’s history, referencing the original greenhouse flower room and building number 530, serving as a nod to the park’s heritage. Additionally, considering the building’s current commercial use—with the “One Foot Garden” already established on site—53 °C was selected as the ideal temperature for the coffee and tea entrance: warm but not overwhelming, bringing satisfaction and joy. This embodies the lifestyle attitude we hope to convey through this project.
△ Overall building facade © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
△ View of 53 ° through a gap © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
△ Interaction between people and architecture © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
Northwest facade of the building © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
The renovation prominently features numerous arched elements: rounded arched doors and windows on the west side, continuous arched French windows to the south, and an arched dome crowning the top. These elements interlock and redefine the building’s volumes, showcasing its overall geometric beauty and architectural strength.
△ Partial building drawing © Lv Xiaobin
△ North facade of the building © Lv Xiaobin
△ South facade of the building © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
△ Architecture integrated with surrounding environment © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
The exterior maintains the warm atmosphere of the original greenhouse flower house. It features bright red bricks paired with dark red, weather-resistant rusted steel plates, creating two distinct shades and textures of red. The red bricks provide a traditional, simple elegance, while the rusted steel introduces an industrial, vintage character. Some areas are accented with concrete trims. These layered materials combine harmoniously, offering a unified yet varied, clean and vibrant facade.
Steel staircase folding up on the west facade © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
53 ° bathed in morning light © Lv Xiaobin
Relationship between △ 53 ° and neighboring buildings © Lv Xiaobin
On the west side, adjacent to the street, a rusted steel exterior staircase folds up and connects to the second-floor corridor, facilitating easy movement and interaction. The northwest corner of the second floor features a red brick wall embedded with a rusted steel-framed glass box that extends inward, creating a rich contrast between solid and transparent elements and adding dimensional layers.
△ Main entrance on the west facade © Lv Xiaobin
Partial view of the western facade © Lv Xiaobin
The third-floor open terrace includes commercial outdoor display and leisure spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the north and south sides offer expansive views and promote north-south transparency. Facing Xigou Port to the east, much of the original site vegetation has been preserved. The facade incorporates windows, water features, and greenery that extend indoors, adding a unique charm that blends the building harmoniously with nature.
North facade in the morning light © Lv Xiaobin
△ Embedded glass box on the northwest facade © Lv Xiaobin
The interior continues the warm, natural design language by creating a bright and gentle atmosphere with textured walls. The arched dome features a high loft design, part of which is separated and fitted with an arched glass canopy. This canopy plays with light and shadows, blurring the boundaries between indoors and nature. The fourth floor connects via a spiral staircase, guiding sightlines and creating a dynamic, graceful space.
△ Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
△ Indoor arched dome © Lv Xiaobin
Outdoor greenery complements the view © Lv Xiaobin
This project also reflects Ben Zhe Architecture’s ongoing philosophy: a dedicated practice exploring the relationship between architecture, humans, and nature.
Folding rusted steel stairs © Lv Xiaobin
△ Building details © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
The concept of comfort here is “warm but not burning”—the perfect balance embodied by 53 °.
53 ° embraced by lush vegetation © Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography
Project Drawings
△ 1st Floor Plan © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ 2nd Floor Plan © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ 3rd Floor Plan © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ 4th Floor Plan © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ West Elevation © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ East Elevation © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ North Elevation © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ South Elevation © Ben Zhe Architecture
Project Information
Project Name: 53 ° · EKA Tianwu
Location: EKA Tianwu, No. 535 Jinqiao Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Architecture/Landscape Design: Benzhe Architecture
Lead Architect: Jiang Huajian
Design Team: Yao Ruigen, Lin Tong
Building Area: 665 square meters
Design Period: August 2022 – December 2022
Completion Date: November 2023
Owner: Shanghai Jiayun Investment Management Development Co., Ltd.
Structural Design: Shanghai Tongyan Civil Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd.
Photography: Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography, Lv Xiaobin
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up