Miralles Tagliabue EMBT, led by Benedetta Tagliabue, has won an international competition to transform the Century Square into a new green landmark for Shanghai, China.

Miralles Tagliabue EMBT's proposal was selected against David Chipperfield Architects, and the prize strengthens the presence of the Miralles Tagliabue EMBT studio in Asia where the studio continues with other ongoing projects such as the Business School of the Fudan University Campus in Shanghai or recently completed, such as the Zhang Daqian museum in Neijiang, China and the Chinatrust Office Tower in Taichung, Taiwan.

The new design of the“Century Square” is located at East Nanjing Road in Shanghai, the design scheme opens it like a shell and shows the splendour of its "pearl", a shining kaleidoscope which reflects the new green urban scenery.

Located within one of the busiest commercial areas in the world, the renatured plaza is aimed to "become the central place to experience the many facets of this cosmopolitan city of exceptional cultural richness."

"Century Square” has always been related to shows and events, positioned in a strategic connection between “Peoples Square” and “The Bund”, and characterized by its special ambience of incredible night lights and commercial presentations," said Miralles Tagliabue EMBT. 

"Our project gives a homage to the origin of the word Shanghai, which means ‘upon the sea’." 

"We convert this very keyspace into a new urban living room, inspired in colours and shape by the sea and the harbour. The new paving represents an undersea world. This pavement becomes illuminated at night by glittering lights," the studio added.

The studio followed a design strategy based on ecological awareness, the project renaturalizes the city centre, introducing green spaces to improve the urban microclimate. 

The fusion of environmental aspects together with the homage to the origin of the word Shanghai, which means "on the sea", turn the square of the century’s project into a renewed and welcoming meeting place.

For the pavement of the project, the studio is inspired by the sea and the nearby port, which represents the richness of the underwater world. 

The design opens like a shell to reveal its pearl: a glittering kaleidoscopic building that reflects the new urban landscape on its facades while hosting events and shows. 

The topography of the square on its south side creates a new urban eco-living: green hills, interwoven with existing trees, support a wooden tribune (or stands) that can be used in many different ways. The tribune also houses different functions such as cafes and shops. 

By creating green terraces and steps, they will allow people to sit at different levels, surrounded by trees and leaves, overviewing the vitality of the square. The square will be able to host different types of events such as product presentations, exhibitions, markets, culture and theatre events, adapting each time the scenario.

Inside the kaleidoscope, there are small rooms that invite the public to discover the square, the sky, the spirit of the city in between plants and mirrors.

The renewed “Century Square” will become the highlight of East Nanjing Road, a new venue to experience the natural beauty of Shanghai.

Miralles Tagliabue EMBT was founded in 1994 by the pair Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, based in Barcelona, Spain. After Enric Miralles passed away in 2000, Benedetta Tagliabue took over the firm as a sole director, completing the Santa Caterina market, Edinburgh Parliament and a string of other projects besides.

The renovation of the Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona and the enormous edifice of the Scottish Parliament Building are among the key works of the studio. 

Miralles Tagliabue EMBT recently completed Maggie's new caring center with textured brick facade in Barcelona. Read our exclusive interview with Benedetta Tagliabue on WAC.

Project facts

Project name: Renewal of Century Square in East Nanjing Road

Location: Shanghai, China 

Date: 2020

Client: New World Group

Architect: Benedetta Tagliabue

Project director: Stefan Geenen

Design team: Sebastiano Losi, Giuseppe d’Ascoli, Daniel Hernán García, Gabriele Rotelli, Marzia Faranda, Juan Camillo Izquierdo, Lucas Arango, Malena Bilik, Youssef Shabo, Cristian Munteanu, Lidia Quarintini, Cristiana Messina, Gloria Papetti, Andrea Stevanato, Erica Hansen, Pietro Borzacca, Georgia Soultana, Darragh Casey.

Area: 8.000 m2 plot area, 1.200 m2 building

Typology: Urban design, Public spaces

Program: Open stage, cultural events, exhibitions, markets, and products presentations.

Local Design Institute: Tongji University

Energetic Consultant: Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH

All renders © Fancy

Drawings © Miralles Tagliabue EMBT

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