Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Published July 15th, 2026 | Source: Foster + Partners
Project Details
Project: Changfeng Mixed-Use Development
Architect: Foster + Partners
Typologies: Mixed-Use, Urban Design, Office, Residential, Retail, Cultural, Public Space
Themes: Sustainable Urbanism, Mixed-Use Development, Walkability, Public Realm, Green Infrastructure, Community Planning
Status: Under Construction
Location: Putuo District, Shanghai, China
Client: Not Disclosed
Year: 2024
Surface Area: Not Disclosed
Photographer: Foster + Partners (Visualisations)
Aerial view of the complete Master Plan highlighting the interconnected green network © Foster + Partners
Located in the Science and Technology Finance Cluster in Putuo District, the Changfeng Mixed-Use Development by Foster + Partners is an innovative scheme that transforms a defunct industrial estate into an energetic urban neighbourhood wherein work, culture, residences, and public activities are interconnected. As part of the larger Shanghai 2035 urban vision, the project promotes the concept of sustainable urban development through pedestrian-friendly design, landscape connectivity, and community-based planning. Unlike traditional urban projects that develop isolated commercial nodes, the project connects itself to the surrounding ecology and city streets.
This masterplan is guided by the concept of the “15-Minute Community Life Circle” which aims at providing access to daily needs within walking distance from residents and visitors’ houses. Office blocks, shops, residences, recreational areas, and civic facilities are strategically located within the site to foster accessibility. The mixed-use design of the development allows continuous activity without relying on personal transport and a healthy urban living.
View showing the central green axis, pedestrian streets, and mixed-use blocks. © Foster + Partners
An important green spine runs through the development, which connects the major access points via a large-scale landscape corridor acting as both a traffic artery and a public space. The second level of streets connects off this main spine and forms a permeable urban grid system, encouraging people to explore and making connections to various destinations within the neighbourhood. Buildings are oriented to maximize daylight and natural ventilation while creating comfortable public spaces.
Landscape strategy is just as important as the building design for giving this development its character. All existing landscape elements around the development are continued within the master plan using park systems, planted boulevards, and shade trees on footpaths. Landscape corridors increase biodiversity and environmental performance of the development but also act as an ecological layer softening the density of the urban fabric and providing comfort for recreation and daily activities.
Jia Art Gallery viewed from the central public plaza © Foster + Partners
Jia Art, a cultural landmark that plays a defining role in the success of the project and is also the heart of it, defines the neighbourhood socially and physically. As opposed to a typical exhibition hall, the gallery consists of exhibition halls, educational facilities, and multi-use event space that make it an exciting and lively place where one can enjoy cultural exchange and participate in community activities.
Taking advantage of its location on a civic plaza created on the crossing of the main pedestrian streets, the building is automatically transformed into a focal point for people. The sculptural architecture of the gallery takes the spring blessing flower from Changfeng Park, located near the gallery, as an inspiration. Four elegant forms resembling petals grow out of the base of the building and unfold to create an interesting roof form. There is also a skylight that makes the double-height atrium very bright.
Office towers with landscaped terraces and podium-level public spaces © Foster + Partners
Above the central green corridor, a series of office towers create an important gateway on Jinsha Jiang Road. The flexible floor plates enable the workplace environment to change with changing business requirements, while extensive sky atria, terraces, and roof gardens bring the elements of nature into the vertical workspace. These design strategies not only enhance the environment but also provide possibilities for interaction among the users.
The combination of high-performance building skins with architectural cues from the history of the place is an important aspect of the towers’ design. Horizontal shading devices and vertical fins minimize the solar heat gain of the buildings, and the design of the podium façade takes inspiration from the proportions of the existing industrial buildings.
Streetscape illustrating mixed-use buildings, landscaped public spaces, and pedestrian connectivity © Foster + Partners
During the development process, the interplay between architecture and landscape design plays a key role in creating an exciting public realm where movement, commerce, and civic activities seamlessly converge. Street fronts are active retail destinations, open squares are places for congregation and events, and the landscape provides respite areas amid the highly urbanized setting. The combination of residential, commercial, and civic functions ensures the vitality of the neighbourhood all day long and into the evenings.
Through the application of sustainable master planning principles and a high level of public space design alongside cultural activities, the Changfeng Mixed-Use Development offers a vision for urban revitalization in the city of Shanghai. This example shows how good master planning enables the transformation of underused industrial sites into vibrant communities where architecture, nature, and civic life coexist harmoniously.