How C·PARK Haisu Became Shanghai’s Go-To Lifestyle Hub – A New Vision for Urban Space and Sustainable Design
Information: Gensler Photography: Blackstation
C·PARK Haisu stands as a beacon of architectural ingenuity, merging art, nature, and urban vibrancy into a dynamic mixed-use development in Shanghai’s Changning District.
Designed by Gensler, this pioneering project is a testament to cutting-edge vision, sustainable ingenuity, and a façade that redefines the urban landscape.
Innovative Approach to Urban Design
C·PARK Haisu transcends conventional architectural norms by integrating cultural, retail, and ecological elements into a harmonious space. The project, strategically situated near the Liu Haisu Art Museum, is designed to enhance the city’s artistic pulse while fostering a thriving community. Gensler’s approach reshapes urban commercial spaces through fluid transitions between nature and modern design.
To maximize spatial fluidity, the development employs an unconventional planning strategy—lifting key structures to create floating courtyards that foster social engagement. By freeing the ground plane and integrating retail pods, the design breathes life into the streetscape, turning the site into a pedestrian-friendly, experience-driven space. The central sunken plaza anchors the development, blending boutique retail, art exhibitions, and interactive leisure zones that bring a new dimension to Shanghai’s urban fabric.
Innovative Façade and Exterior Design
The façade of C·PARK Haisu sets a new benchmark for architectural expression. Inspired by Liu Haisu’s landscape paintings, the structure exhibits a fractal geometry that seamlessly links multiple buildings, ensuring cohesion with the adjacent museum. The intentional subtraction of volume from the design softens the structure’s presence, enhancing connectivity while reinforcing a strong urban identity.
Beyond aesthetics, the façade is meticulously engineered to minimize environmental impact. Slanted exteriors and an advanced terracotta sun-shading system reduce the window-to-wall ratio, effectively controlling light pollution and heat absorption. The angled configuration prevents excessive light reflection onto nearby residential areas, ensuring a balanced integration with the surrounding community.
Embedded within the curtain wall are LED panels of varying dimensions, positioned to create an engaging retail atmosphere while serving as adaptable event backdrops. This interplay between digital and physical architecture amplifies the dynamic identity of the development, reinforcing its cultural significance.
Smart Material Selection
Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the identity of C·PARK Haisu. A combination of high-performance glass, terracotta sun-shading elements, and eco-friendly composite materials ensures durability while aligning with sustainable aspirations. The façade employs Low-E double-glazed glass, reducing solar radiation in summer and minimizing heat loss in winter, thus optimizing energy consumption.
The project’s emphasis on natural ventilation is realized through operable glass panels, fostering a breathable environment that merges nature with urban functionality. The materials used also enhance thermal comfort, ensuring an energy-efficient ecosystem that aligns with Shanghai’s climate requirements.
Sustainability at Its Core
Environmental consciousness drives every aspect of C·PARK Haisu’s design, propelling it toward a green future. The development has secured both Three-Star Green Building and LEED Gold Certifications, signifying its commitment to sustainable urbanization.
- Green Building Principles: Enhanced air quality monitoring promotes a healthier workspace, while ample electric vehicle charging stations encourage eco-conscious commuting.
- Energy Efficiency: The glass curtain wall system reduces dependency on artificial climate control, enhancing daylight exposure while maintaining thermal balance.
- Urban Rewilding Concept: Collaborating with leading art operators, C·PARK Haisu introduces the Urban Rewilding model to China, blending art, nature, and community into an evolving commercial ecosystem. This forward-thinking initiative supports biodiversity while fostering meaningful connections between public spaces and natural landscapes.
By pioneering an integrated multi-level pedestrian system, the development seamlessly connects Tianshan Park, Haisu Green Land, and key subway links, reinforcing accessibility while redefining urban connectivity. The innovative commercial district fosters experiential engagement through a curated mix of fashion, art, and lifestyle activations.
Since its grand opening, the project has hosted many fashion and lifestyle events, drawing one million visitors and establishing itself as a premier destination. Major tenants, including Li-Ning, Dentsu, and IAG Art Cinema, contribute to its financial success, reinforcing the development’s significance as an urban catalyst.
Redefining Mixed-Use Development
C·PARK Haisu is more than an architectural achievement—it’s a cultural movement. It embraces the ethos of sustainability, innovation, and experiential engagement, setting a precedent for future urban developments. Through a bold architectural language, adaptive façade strategies, and material-conscious sustainability, it reshapes the way cities integrate nature, culture, and retail.
As Shanghai’s urban landscape continues to evolve, C·PARK Haisu stands as an enduring symbol of progress—a celebration of artistic synergy, environmental stewardship, and cutting-edge vision. It is a place where design meets purpose, and innovation meets identity, revolutionizing urban development for generations to come.
