Mango Malanshan Square is a visionary project that seeks to blur the lines between urban and architectural forms. Its goal is to break down the closed boundaries of traditional architecture and breathe new life into everyday urban experiences.
Situated within the Malanshan Video Cultural and Creative Industry Park in Changsha, the project addresses the dynamic nature of media professionals’ work. Their office hours, locations, and team compositions are highly variable, and media production requires seamless integration with society. Traditional enclosed, container-like spaces often struggle to accommodate these needs.
The design introduces a spatial system called the “Chuangfang Settlement,” which, together with the city as its foundation, aligns with the actual behaviors and patterns of media professionals.
In this conceptual diagram, the “Chuangfang Settlement” consists of 12 concrete boxes arranged in a seemingly random, dynamic manner—twisting, turning, and rotating freely, creating various angles on the site. The outermost layer of the boxes is elevated, forming an “empty” space that interacts with the city and its citizens. Unlike traditional street facades, the boundaries here are softened, and the backdrop becomes blurred, creating a distinct visual experience.
The spatial relationships between the boxes create distinct “spaces.” By sandwiching the elevated “shallow hill,” a commercial function space is formed. Narrow gaps reminiscent of traditional dwelling sky lines appear between closely placed structures. Sinking steps and ramps also define “gaps” in the pathways. These spaces evoke the “emptiness” of architecture and enrich the social experience of public areas. The design carefully handles the boundaries between spaces, blending architecture and nature like a settlement, allowing the “Chuangfang Settlement” to merge organically with the city.
The “Chuangfang Settlement” also exhibits a layered relationship with its “graph base”: transparent inward-recessed curtain walls contrast with solid clear water walls, creating a distinctive interface pattern. Above, a spacious shared lobby offers non-office amenities such as a coffee bar, book lounge, exhibitions, and roadshows, promoting a vibrant social atmosphere.
The architectural elements—corridors, courtyards, platforms, and lobbies—form a “map” of the structure. Yet, as visitors walk through, these spaces feel like an extension of the city itself, akin to miniature squares and streets. Whether these spaces are considered the city’s “foundation” becomes less important than the experience of light, wind, views, and emotion felt while spending time there.
Project Drawings
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Fourth floor plan
△ Section diagrams
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Detailed structural drawing
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: Local Studio
Area: 55,016 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographers: Haohao Xu, Jinquan Kong
Manufacturers: DONGGUAN XINRONG NEW MATERIAL CO., LTD; Foshan XIANGZHONGSHENGJiN Metal Building Materials Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China; XIANNING CSG ENERGY CONSERVATION GLASS CO., LTD
Lead Architect: Wei Chunyu
Principal: Hunan Malanshan Mango Industry Co., Ltd
Interior Design: Changsha Visual Code Space Design Co., Ltd.; HMD Space Design Studio
Lighting Consultant: Hunan Randmark Lighting Design Co., Ltd
Construction Contractor: China Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau General Contracting Company
Design Team: Liu Erxi, Jiang Kangning, Li Yifei, Xiao Qian, Ouyang Sheng, Cao Kaiyuan, Pei Weihua, Ren Rong, Ji Ruirui, Ding Zili, Cai Shenglin, Liu Siyu, Liu Qian, Zhou Huan, Zhang Jincao, Yang Ruyan, Cao Guang, Liu Xingyu, Wang Rui, Chen Xing, Cai Zhaoqi, Zhang Yi, You Youxuan, Ye Yuqi, Hou Shuaidong, Xie Zifei, Lei Lei, Bai Zhe, Ren Yaqian, Ma Weiqian
Hunan University Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. Team: Luo Xuenong, Wang Xin, Zhu Jianhua, Deng Yuan, Liu Jian, Zhang Ning, Luo Yilun, Zhou Hongyang, Li Cheng, Zhong Ming, Liu Fuhua
Location: Changsha
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