Jinmao Harbour Shopping Center is a community lifestyle mall located in the core of the overall Lanhai New Harbour City at Jiaozhou Bay, the western shoreline of Qingdao.

In response to the government’s plan to revive the old town district, the mall will rejuvenate the coastal landscape. Lying between a high-end residential zone and the cruise terminal, the mall offers five levels of above ground retail and two levels of basement parking. An outdoor stepped garden drives circulation to the skypark above the terminal and the seaside promenade, and connects the adjacent developments.

Along the shoreline, strong waves have crafted a natural landscape of layered shale staggered on top of each other. The staggered shale was translated into the architectural form of Jinmao Harbour Shopping Center as a remembrance of the natural landscape. The floors are stacked on top of each other to form a rugged shale like exterior that creates an impressive industrial reminiscence of the freight industry which flourishes along the coast.

Qingdao is also known as one of the largest ports in the world. To pay tribute, the selection of façade materials takes reference of a container ship. The use of corten steel, expanded mesh, wood, bricks and stained concrete for cladding preserves the physiognomy of the past.

Project: Jinmao Harbour Shopping Center Location: Qingdao, China Architect: Aedas Client: Franshion Properties (China) Limited Gross floor area: 34,530 sqm Completion year: 2016 Director: Keith Griffiths