Grand Gateway 66 Rejuvenation

At the centre of Shanghai’s Xujiahiu, an opaque late 20th century postmodern building is being transformed into a well-crafted artifact that resonates with vibrant and passionate conviction. The overhaul upgrades the circulation, increases integration with surroundings and connectivity with the city. All elements focus on creating a “quality place” with identity and uniqueness, where design solutions combine with efficient and sustainable strategies. The entrance rotunda flanked by two office towers is a graceful layering of glass planes with delicate terracotta fins adds artistic qualities. This is paired by the interior, completed regenerated, which display lively configurations, enhance sophisticated distinctiveness. Entrance rotunda: Distinct from its original stone façade with monumental stairs, the new design embraces delicate layering of curved glass and graceful vertical lines. On the ground floor, a square is newly created to integrate with Metro entrances. On second level, enhanced by link-bridges to adjacent buildings. At night, the whole space becomes a glowing “urban lantern” that embodies sophistication and timelessness. Interiors: A holistic approach provides new layouts, fluid spatial configurations, abundance of public space, new key focus points. The expansive lobbies act as internal social “plazas”, engaging spaces for socialization and discovery. Exteriors and internal street: An overarching methodology generates cohesiveness, complementarity and interconnectedness among all parts, public areas, landscape, bridges, porticos, entrances, while highlighting distinction and dynamism. In terms of sustainability, the MEP system has been improved by adding UV lamps for sterilization and medium-effect bag filters to AC fans and all fresh air units to improve the indoor air quality. Electrostatic precipitators were added to all fresh air units and kitchen exhaust of newly created F&B tenant spaces. Which will tackle the source of pollutants effectively in creating quality surrounding. Toilet water tanks and urinals are energy-saving to reduce water consumption. All lighting used are LED lamps to reduce electricity consumption and prolong service life. Low-e solar film is also applied to skylight doom at rotunda while low-e fritted glass and integrated glass unit are also used for the new rotunda façade. All these measures could help to derive higher energy efficiency. With innovative sequencing and techniques, the mall has been in full operation during the renovation and the majority of works were done at night with minimal disturbance.