miralles tagliabue EMBT plans glittering kaleidoscopic building for shanghai's century square

miralles tagliabue EMBT has won the international competition to renovate century square on east nanjing road in shanghai, china. the studio, led by benedetta tagliabue, will transform the square into a new green landmark for the city, complete with a glittering kaleidoscopic building that reflects the new urban landscape on its façades. the pavement of the project takes its cues from the sea and the nearby port, representing the richness of the underwater world.all renders by fancy

located within one of the busiest commercial areas in the world, the renovated plaza by miralles tagliabue EMBT will become the central place to experience the many facets of shanghai. with a strategy based on ecological awareness, the project introduces green spaces to improve the urban microclimate. the square is defined by a distinct pavement, designed as a homage to the origin of the word ‘shanghai’, which means ‘on the sea’.

the glittering kaleidoscopic building on the south side reflects the new urban landscape on its façades while hosting events and shows. green hills, interwoven with existing trees, support a wooden tribune (or stands) that can be used in many different ways. the tribune also houses different functions, such as cafes and shops. with the renovation of century square, miralles tagliabue EMBT studio consolidates its presence in asia, where it continues with other ongoing projects such as the business school of the fudan university campus in shanghai, or recently completed, such as the zhang daqian museum in neijiang, china.

project info:

name: renewal of century square in east nanjing road

architect: benedetta tagliabue – miralles tagliabue EMBT

location: shanghai, china

client: new world group

project director: stefan geenen – miralles tagliabue EMBT

team: sebastiano losi, giuseppe d’ascoli, daniel hernán garcía, gabriele rotelli, maria faranda, juan camillo izquierdo, lucas arango, malena bilik, youssef shabo, cristian munteanu, lidia quarintini, cristiana messina, gloria papetti, andrea stevanato, erica hansen, pietro borzacca, georgia soultana, darragh casey

area: 8.000 m2 plot area, 1.200 m2 building

program: open stage, cultural events, exhibitions, markets, and products presentations

local design institute: tongji university

energetic consultant: transsolar energietechnik gmbh