KPF Proposes a New "Participatory Urbanism" with Shanghai Towers

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) has unveiled details of Huamu Lot 10 in Shanghai. The three-tower scheme, totaling 279,000 square meters, is dedicated to commercial offices and a future museum, positioned around a central grand plaza.

Described as a “new form of participatory urbanism,” the scheme has been designed to accommodate large-scale artwork in a public setting, thus activating the central plaza as a cultural hub.

KPF Proposes a New Participatory Urbanism with Shanghai Towers - More Images+ 12

Courtesy of Plompmozes

The urban significance of this cluster of buildings goes beyond their office function. They combine with a major museum to make cultural space, and create a “sky plane” above that raises the aspirations of the city.
-James von Klemperer, President and Design Principal, KPF

Courtesy of Plompmozes

Each tower has been designed with an efficient, rational massing to allow for flexibility in future contexts. Glass curtain wall facades allow for panoramic views and natural light, with strong horizontal elements emphasizing rigidity.

Courtesy of Plompmozes

A series of subtle cantilevers at uniform heights create a visually connected Sky Gallery, “a dramatic and iconic gesture high above the surrounding neighborhood.” During the day, stepped gardens on the building roof and terraces offer outdoor garden space, while at night, the cantilevered elements are illuminated to become grand lighting features.

Courtesy of Plompmozes

The project seeks to flip the equation of a tower which typically includes an iconic top, and instead uses the gallery program as a cantilevered volume near the mid-point of the tower. The result is a moment that engages the pedestrian realm while simultaneously sculpting the project’s identity within the Shanghai skyline.
-Jeff Kenoff, Design Principal, KPF

Courtesy of Plompmozes

News via: KPF

President and Design Principal: Jamie von Klemperer, FAIA RIBA
Design Principal: Jeffrey A. Kenoff, AIA
Managing Principal: Inkai Mu, AIA
Managing Principal: Rebecca Cheng, RIBA HKIA PRC Class 1
Project Manager: Sean Roche, RIBA
Senior Designer: Katsunori Shigemi, AIA
Senior Designer for Interiors: Rodney Bell
Technical Coordinators: Michael Linx, AIA, Eric Engdahl
KPF Project Team and Contributors: Matt Burdalski, Wenxin Chen, Lin Du, Stav Eilam, Ben Fox, Greg Kamback, Cindy Kubitz, Hui Rong Liu, Rayka Luo, Nicolas Madariaga, Ingram Mao, Oscar Obando, Laura Sandoval Illera, Hu Wang, Fan Yang

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Niall Patrick Walsh. "KPF Proposes a New "Participatory Urbanism" with Shanghai Towers" 12 Dec 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/907606/kpf-proposes-a-new-participatory-urbanism-with-shanghai-towers> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of Plompmozes

KPF公布上海浦东花木文化新地标,提出“参与性城市化”新愿景

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.