Huaihai Road TOD

Located in Shanghai’s Huaihai Road Preservation Zone, at the intersection of Huaihai Road and Ruijin Road, the new Huaihai Road TOD project extends the urban fabric with a multi-level retail, entertainment complex, and community space atop a transit center. Surrounded by historic landmarks, a dense residential neighborhood, and a school to the north, the design team used sun studies, access to greenspace, and the site’s historical context to craft an architectural solution that integrates seamlessly, fosters community engagement, and preserves the rich heritage of the area. The project's form and character draw heavily from the historical community of the Shanghainese Longtangs - neighborhoods of Lilong or lane housing during the 1920s and 1930s. Characterized by dense layouts and interconnected townhouses, Lilong housing typically featured narrow but deep residences, with shared courtyards and communal spaces. Additionally, a tripartite architectural design principle, created during Shanghai’s Golden Age of Architecture, organizes the building’s facade. Combining Western and traditional Chinese elements, the tripartite architecture consists of three distinct sections: a lower level with Western-style columns and arches, a middle section with traditional Chinese motifs, and an upper level often featuring European-style windows and balconies. Huaihai Road TOD’s sustainability approach includes the adaptive reuse of three existing 3-story 1920s buildings along Ruijin Road. This process re-imagines the buildings as street-front F&B on the ground level and retail spaces moving into the mall. In addition to sustainability benefits, incorporating the existing buildings preserves the essence of the historical community. At the street level, food stalls and entrances pay homage to the meandering nature of Lilong housing. A vibrant cluster of food stalls offers cuisines from around the globe, making Huaihai Road TOD a comprehensive global gateway. This modern interpretation honors the timeless allure of turn-of-the-century Longtang, infusing it with contemporary vibrancy. With limited greenspace options, Huaihai Road TOD includes an elevated garden park aligning with sustainability principles. The massing maintains continuity by extending the street soft-scape up through the mall to the rooftop garden park, spanning 710 sqm. From the rooftop, panoramic vistas capture the bustling energy of the east side of Huaihai Road and beyond. Navigating sun shadow regulations posed a significant challenge, but the design team embraced the opportunity to pioneer an innovative massing strategy. Through rigorous sun studies, building orientation was optimized, and glazing setbacks implemented to achieve visual harmony and enhanced energy efficiency. Access and vehicular traffic reduction were defining sustainability considerations. Leveraging the site’s advantageous positioning, the project seamlessly integrates into the city’s transportation network. A comprehensive transit hub beneath the development links it to the wider urban fabric, catalyzing urban revitalization and ensuring convenient access for residents and visitors alike.