Announcing their first project in China, architecture firm ODA has unveiled a scheme for a 700,000 square foot mixed-use development in Chengdu. With abundant greenery, the project aims to be a place for gathering with a diverse program that includes four residential towers and a commercial park with retail and green spaces. It also aims to be an urban experiment in rearranging priorities within the public realm
The scheme draws from the traditional urban street experience but breaks the typical typology of prioritizing cars over people. The commercial complex is arranged as a continuous loop over two levels. The ground level intertwines the architecture with urban agriculture, green roofs, courtyard and water features, while the lower level connects to the water canals and provides a perfect setting for bars, clubs and nightlife.
Offices and residences throughout are designed with direct outdoor access, including outdoor stairs, shaded seating areas and community gardens, further merging the intersection of indoor and outdoor space.
The design, as described by ODA, “opens up the apartment towers to elevated terraced gardens overlooking retail below, while the roofs of the shops remain open to the sky, a sprawling elevated walkway with room for food and beverage, landscape, intimate seating areas, and views.”
