rainbows, space age and oversized parasols: x+ living's pastel-hued family park in china

x+living explores the future layout of shopping malls with the newly launched neobio family park in hanghzou, china. following the success of the first neobio park, the shanghai-based architecture firm has now completed its successor, which occupies the first floor and atrium of the hangzhou star avenue phase II shopping mall. the project combines four major functional areas, each with multiple ‘accessory’ spaces, that transport kids in four completely different environments, tied together using a palette of pastel hues.

furniture and lamps are custom-made, ensuring structures and colors are perfectly matched
all photos by shao feng

taking into account the various age groups, interests, and behaviors of kids, x+living has created a comprehensive family park that integrates entertainment, education and rest areas. situated at the atrium, the ‘occupational experience area’ takes the shape of a virtual town for children, with spaces for rest, dining and entertainment. oversized parasol structures mark out the location of different functions and contribute to a playful atmosphere, improving the overall aesthetic quality of the shopping mall and enriching the experience of consumers, who can enjoy the open view from the various floors.

seats in the shape of a carousel add a romantic atmosphere to the space

fantastical structures and decorations are integrated into the parent-child activity center, including a circus-like counter in the water play area, robot-shaped ovens in the bakery classroom, and a huge castle that appears as if made of cardboard. the reading area simulates the relation between the rainbow and clouds, with an abstracted composition of structures that double as bookshelves and play objects where kids can climb on.

a night sky spreads across the ceiling of the area which the architects call ‘sims city’

neobio’s areas combine various visual references, including las vegas signs, cacti, and space age

objects that resemble the clouds and rainbow after a rainy day can be found in the library

the reading space includes bookcases in the shape of an abstracted rainbow

a circus-like counter shapes the water play area

the party room

the amusement area comprises a seemingly cardboard castle

neobio also includes educational areas including bakery classroom

the restaurant area combines numerous patterns in pastel tones

the toilet

project info:

chief designer: li xiang

design team: ren lijiao, chen xue, qian huilan, fan chen, pan xingchao

design company: x+living

area: 8000 m2

location: f1, star avenue phase II, binjiang district, hangzhou city, china

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.

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom