Zhongyou Hotel & Retail Center - Shanghai, China

LLG International teamed with Denver architects Hangar 41 for the urban and landscape design of a five-star hotel and shopping center in Shanghai, China for an invitation-only international design competition. Just south of Shanghai’s Pudong district, this site has a direct canal connection to historic Xinchang, a tourist-rich ancient salt-mining canal town.  Traditional-garden-inspired angular circulation within the site promotes “safe” exploration around corners and sightline intersections to retail spaces, the main hotel structure, a conference center, and constructed greenspaces.  The “wings” of the building are peeled apart so the internal spaces of the tower can be naturally lit, providing interest and a procession for the guests entering their quarters. These views also allow for showcasing the prominent retail spaces below, inviting visitors to explore and shop.  Plazas at entries to the lower-level retail and waterfront areas suggest crystalline forms compatible with the architectural concept, extending it throughout the site.