amphibianArc embeds vertical water + greenery into dongfeng shopping mall

amphibianArc embeds vertical water + greenery into dongfeng shopping mall
all images courtesy of amphibianArc

located in the uppermost residential district of northwest zhengzhou, the ‘hanhai dongfeng town center’ by amphibianArc constitutes a radical interpretation of shopping mall, setting a precedent in the region for contemporary metropolitan development. the 350,000 sqm building covers nine levels of retail and family entertainment, an elevated fountain plaza, an indoor canal, numerous themed restaurants, and one hotel tower, all of which is highlighted by an iconic LED canopy stretching across the top of the entire complex.

the LED canopy

axonometric view

the building in the winter

the design draws insight from classical chinese treasure bowl cornucopia, a special capsule symbolizing auspiciousness and happiness. it has set out to create a vibrant yet intimate ‘urban container’, a public setting that embraces all kinds of social activities, generates immersive an experience – a celebration of cultural and geographic openness and diversity. the overall result is an interconnected community grounded in tradition, but poised for the future. 

bird’s-eye view

the building at dusk

with the aim to enhance the multiplicity of the architecture, a unique entertainment center has been integrated into the mall’s organization: a family-oriented indoor complex that will be geared toward all age groups. combined with customized and branded retail and restaurants.

interior landscape 

closeup 

interior landscaping is another feature of the project. zhengzhou is among the country’s top ten most polluted cities. to raise the community’s awareness on environmental protection and aid in the creation of a microclimate for visitors, the approach adopts both horizontal and vertical greenery into the building. the roof garden, together with lush indoor areas visible to the street level pedestrians, proposes a new alternative for enhancing the condition of the environment, while maximizing the synthetic terrain’s efficiency.

fountain plaza on the fifth level

a symbol of life

the fountain plaza and canal on the fifth level with a vertical aquarium introduces the element of water, a symbol of life, into the complex. the space functions as a communal gathering place, which will be the largest of its kind in china. visitors can experience the liquid promenade through a gondola tour along the channel or take a breathtaking ride in the glass elevator through the aquarium. once built, the mall will become a powerful catalyst and landmark for life in the city.

vertical aquarium

canal

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.