In March 2024, Nikken Sekkei was honored to be invited to participate in the solicitation of proposals for the Shanghai Oriental Hub Station Area, and the Nikken design team deeply excavated and interpreted the future development trend of TOD through the unique perspective of TOD station-city integrated design, aiming to show a new image of Shanghai and even China facing the world, presenting a dream urban forest that is not only futuristic and green, but also a dream urban forest that we have never imagined.
▲Aerial view of the night sky
Infinite knots are interconnected
The project is located in front of Shanghai Oriental Hub Station in Zhuqiao Town, Pudong New Area, close to Pudong International Airport. The site covers an area of about 220,000 square meters, with a total construction area of 550,000 square meters, covering a variety of complex formats such as commercial, hotel, and office, forming a vibrant urban complex. Inspired by the infinite knot, we cleverly integrated it into the master plan to create a three-dimensional interconnected urban space. The three major plots in the north and south and the two major stations in the east and west are connected to each other through this unique Chinese knot shape to form a harmonious and unified planning order.
▲ Infinite knot concept schematic
Here, one can enjoy an unprecedented experience of walking in the sky. The Skywalk is like a ribbon that connects the various themed urban spaces. Whether it's cycling, running, or autonomous driving, you can easily reach the East Station or the surrounding plots, realizing a seamless and convenient life.
▲ View of people in the square in front of the station
Chuangneng Forest Integrated design of station and city
As an important part of the Shanghai Oriental Hub, we have continued the design language of magnolia flowers in the design of the East Railway Station, so that the design elements of magnolia flowers extend and spread to the area in front of the station, and at the same time form an integrated design with the building structure and building façade, just like magnolia flowers growing from the ground, forming a flower jungle. When one looks down on the project from the plane, it reveals a sparkling and strange forest, which is made up of these unique tree-like structures.
▲Aerial view
▲Commercial renderings along the street
ENERGY TREE 低碳循环创新体系
Further, when it comes to the design of each unit, we start from the modularization and standardization of the design to create an energy tree unit, which is based on the tree-like structure, which is not only beautiful in appearance, but also reduces the energy consumption of the building. Shielding people from sunlight during the day and converting energy into electricity at night for lighting reflects Nikken's continuous exploration and innovation in the field of low-carbon design.
▲Schematic diagram of the energy tree unit
▲Renderings of the main commercial entrance
▲Renderings of the commercial indoor atrium
Although Nikken Sekkei's proposal was not selected, it not only reflects Nikken Sekkei's high-latitude vision for future urban development, but also demonstrates the architect's innovative use and inheritance of traditional Chinese culture. In the future, Nikken Sekkei will continue to leverage its rich TOD design experience accumulated over the years, take root in the local area, and contribute to the development of cities in China.
▲Rendering of the observation deck
Source: Nikken Sekkei, copyright belongs to the original author