schmidt hammer lassen architects: green valley breaks ground

schmidt hammer lassen architects: ‘green valley’ breaks ground

all images courtesy of schmidt hammer lassen architects

breaking ground on the site of the 2010 shanghai world expo, schmidt hammer lassen architects’ 2012 competition-winning design ‘green valley’

is a legacy of the expo’s inclusion of the community and focus on sustainable waterfront development at the city’s industrial dockyard.

individual buildings employing environmentally conscious solutions will compose an urban destination of shops, restaurants and offices

amidst pedestrian infrastructure, parks and attractions such as the chinese pavilion – a culture and history museum.

at the heart of the site, a spine of greenery and water features is accessible for all citizens of shanghai — not just those who live and work nearby.

the importance of this open public space is echoed by the extensive use of glass for the facade and interior partitions.

atria adorned with hanging gardens offer views of the central pathway and city beyond. the choreography of 50,000 square meters of buildings and landscaping 

humanizes the scale of the monumental site, and sets a precedent for future development of the area.

the central landscaping element gives the monumental site a human scale

the park space leading to the chinese pavilion is accessible to all inhabitants and visitors of shanghai

the transparency of the buildings at green valley provide the occupants with natural light and views of the city

interior gardens are found throughout green valley

 light plays through bamboo leaves, giving ambiance to the space

‘green valley’ is a hub of activity with a synthesis of offices, shops, restaurants, parks and cultural institutions

inside the lobby

a choreography of buildings, plants, pedestrian pathways and water features revitalize the 2010 shanghai world expo site

central water features and pedestrian walkways are framed by buildings closely organized to optimize development of the site

hanging gardens in the building atria reflect the language of the central green space

a central spin divides the site in two harmonious parts

model of a completed development of ‘green valley’

project info:

lead design architect: schmidt hammer lassen architectslocal architect: ECADI (east china architecture and design institute)client: shanghai expo construction development co. ltd.area: 50,000 m²competition: 2012, 1st prize in invited international competitionstatus: construction period 2013 – 2015