Revitalizing Urban Space
Apple Store Jing’an stands as a beacon of urban regeneration in the heart of Shanghai’s Jing’an District, seamlessly blending modern architecture with historical heritage. Positioned between the iconic Jing’an Temple and Jing’an Park, the project aims to foster connectivity and community engagement by revitalizing the surrounding public realm. At its core lies a circular public plaza, meticulously designed to harmonize with its historic surroundings while embracing contemporary urban needs.
A Circular Nexus
The newly created plaza serves as a nexus, bridging pedestrian flows and encouraging social interactions across multiple levels. Its circular geometry not only enhances connectivity but also fosters a sense of community, offering a vibrant gathering space for residents and visitors alike. Seasonal planting and locally sourced materials soften the urban edges, complementing the temple’s warm tones and creating a seamless transition from the plaza to the interior spaces.
Seamless Integration
Nestled within an existing structure below Jing’an Park, the Apple Store embodies a seamless integration of architecture and landscape. Its main entrance on the plaza welcomes visitors into a bright and spacious Forum, where a dramatic double-height space unfolds beneath a central disc-shaped light feature. Curved ramps and stone staircases facilitate accessibility, ensuring a smooth transition from the plaza to the store’s interior.
Illuminating Design
Innovative lighting design further enhances the store’s ambiance, with tunable white lighting technology simulating daylight to create a dynamic and immersive experience. As night falls, the lighting shifts to a warmer tone, echoing the ambient lighting of the surrounding urban environment. An undulating timber ceiling follows the store’s circular geometry, allowing natural light to filter in through a central oculus and accentuating the sense of openness and fluidity.
Harmonizing Heritage
Central to the project’s ethos is a deep respect for the temple and the park, each possessing its own unique identity. By preserving these qualities and enhancing their context, Apple Store Jing’an serves as a complementary and natural addition to the surrounding urban landscape. Its alignment with the central axis of the temple ensures uninterrupted views of this historic landmark, underscoring a seamless dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation.
