wing-like roof covers open gathering area by SHISUO in shanghai's memorial park

SHISUO unveils open gathering area in shanghai’s memorial park

SHISUO Design Office introduces Breeze Hall, a multifunctional public space within Lu Xun Memorial Park in Shanghai. The project, situated south of the Lu Xun Memorial Museum, transforms a previously fenced-off, underutilized woodland into an accessible urban space. The redesign relocates existing trees to create pathways, soft boundaries, and an open gathering area that uses architectural and landscape elements to bring out the public nature of the site. 

The Breeze Hall features a wing-like roof supported by slender steel columns, creating a 42-meter-long, 15-meter-wide, and 12-meter-high open space suitable for events, exhibitions, and gatherings. Prefabricated perforated roof panels, assembled on-site, filter light and air, resulting in a semi-transparent structure. Low eaves shield the hall from the bustling commercial street, focusing attention on the surrounding natural landscape of trees, bamboo, and water features.

all images by Lv Xiaobin, courtesy of SHISUO Design Office, unless stated otherwise

Breeze Hall as a landmark in harmony with its verdant context

Situated south of the Lu Xun Memorial Museum, the site was previously enclosed and unused. Shanghai-based SHISUO Design Office reorganized the area by transplanting trees to create a walkway that frames the museum and forms a soft boundary for the new building. The architects locate additional trees on the flanks of the site, enclosing a large open space and preserving existing tall trees and bamboo, integrating new pathways.

The team addresses two key challenges in the Breeze Hall project: creating a high-quality structure within a limited budget and timeframe while establishing a landmark building in harmony with the urban context of the park. The base of the pavilion transitions into steps, benches, a bridge, and a waterside platform as it intersects with the inclines of the site. A pool at the base reflects its surroundings, with rainwater collected for reuse. The low eaves mitigate noise from nearby commercial streets, creating a serene atmosphere within the hall.

SHISUO Design Office unveils Breeze Hall | image by Zhu Runzi

the interior of the structure resembles a silent monument

Inside Breeze Hall, the base rises to form an abstract structure, resembling a silent monument, with a canyon-like staircase leading to elevated platforms that frame moments of the park through narrow windows. This interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the connection between the sacred and the everyday. 

Attention to detail shapes the tactile and sensory experience of the building. Beige plaster finishes provide a soft, skin-like texture, and handrails with arched profiles encourage visitors to linger. Double-layer perforated panels create a microclimate enhanced by the evaporation from the pool. During construction, the team adapted the design to accommodate wildlife, ensuring the pool remains a water source for birds, lizards, and other animals, further integrating the building into its natural environment.

this multifunctional public space is located within Shanghai’s most significant memorial park | image by Zhu Runzi

transforming a previously underutilized woodland into an accessible urban space | image by Sanif

the redesign relocates existing trees to create pathways and an open gathering area | image by Lv Xiaobin

the Breeze Hall features a wing-like roof supported by slender steel columns | image by Ye Jianyuan

prefabricated perforated roof panels were assembled on-site | image by Ye Jianyuan

the panels result in a semi-transparent structure | image by Ye Jianyuan

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attention to detail shapes the tactile and sensory experience of the building

establishing a landmark building in harmony with the urban context of the park | image by Zhu Runzi

beige plaster finishes provide a soft, skin-like texture

this interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the connection between the sacred and the everyday

situated south of the Lu Xun Memorial Museum

the site was previously enclosed and unused | image by Zhu Runzi

the base of the pavilion transitions into steps, benches, a bridge, and a waterside platform | image by DONG Image

creating a high-quality structure within a limited budget and timeframe

the base rises to form an abstract structure resembling a silent monument | image by Sanif

focusing attention on the surrounding natural landscape of trees, bamboo, and water features

a pool at the base reflects its surroundings, with rainwater collected for reuse | image by DONG Image

double-layer perforated panels create a microclimate | image by DONG Image

handrails with arched profiles encourage visitors to linger | image by Sanif

a canyon-like staircase leads to elevated platforms that frame moments of the park | image by DONG Image

during construction, the team adapted the design to accommodate wildlife | image by Ye Jianyuan

masterplan by SHISUO

floor plan by SHISUO

south elevation by SHISUO

section by SHISUO

project info:

name: Breeze Hall

architect: SHISUO Design Office | @shisuodesign
location: Hongkou, Shanghai, China

area: 680 sqm

client: Shanghai Changyuan Culture Communication Co., Ltd.

design-in-charge: Sanif, Changshan

design Team: Lin Zihan, Zhang Han

structure consultant iStructure- Yang Xiaotian, Wu Kunying

lighting consultant Arlit Design- Hung Shenglin, Liu Jingyi

landscape consultant: Jian Ding Landscape Design-Jin Yinyin

photographers: Ye Jianyuan, Lv Xiaobin | @lv.xiaobin, Zhu Runzi | @zhu_runzi, Sanif, Xiao Xiao, DONG Image | @rudy_dong96

video: Zhu Runzi | @zhu_runzi