The development is enclosed by a toroidal dome skylight that springs from a stem support, centred on a tea garden. Portraying a lifeline to the green oasis and fuelling its growth into an urban retail haven, shoppers converge in the largest indoor garden atrium in Shanghai.
The wayfinding strategy references the interiors water theme, developing a water droplet narrative that is subtly expressed in the wayfinding signage forms and as a rainfall pattern on the glass panels in the lifts, lobbies and amenities. Dimensional ‘droplets’ merge with each other to create a unique and fluid amenities signage.
A detailed 3D user journey mapping strategy was undertaken to identify decision points for shoppers and assess sightlines to vertical transportation, malls and amenities; these studies underpinned the design of the wayfinding strategy and signage suite.
Buchan worked in close collaboration with Safdie architects on this development.
