The Summit
This site in central Shanghai has been reimagined as a vibrant public space that emphasises fluidity and connection between the built and natural environments.
The design was driven by the desire to curate a journey through shifting forms. Early sketches and iterations explored how form and scale could be manipulated to create dynamic spaces that respond to a changing place program. The space begins as a large civic plaza at the main entrance, then becomes a more fine-grained social and retail area, and ends on the riverbank as an intimate, natural experience.
Each key area was a study in the scale, composition and manipulation of spatial form, pushing and pulling architectural volumes led to varying intensities—pinch points, expansive openings, and cascading transitions.
Each key area was a study in the scale, composition and manipulation of spatial form, pushing and pulling architectural volumes led to varying intensities—pinch points, expansive openings, and cascading transitions.
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- CLIENT Poly Development Holding Group, Shanghai Pudong Development Group Limited
- TEAM ASPECT Studios, KPF
- LOCATION Shanghai, China
- YEAR 2024
Key design moves included the integration of two key axes: an east-west line that connects the two principal points of arrival to the central plaza; and the north-south transitions in scale and intensity from the civic spaces to the natural riverside setting. The result is a site that invites exploration, with a series of interconnected spaces that shift between spectacle and intimacy.
The museum plaza is a place for large city scale events, gatherings and cultural displays. Defined by an extensive multifunctional plaza and a large event lawn, the space has capacity to house events for thousands of people and can be broken up to host smaller activations. The curtain-like facade of the museum acts as a sculptural backdrop to the entire space.
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- AWARDS 2020 REARD Awards, Winner of Award of Excellence (Commercial)
- PHOTOGRAPHY RAWVISION Studio
A vibrant loop of food and beverage outlets wraps around the site, activating the edges with cafes and restaurants. This integration of commercial and social spaces fosters a lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the night.
At the heart of the design is a sunken plaza that serves as a social nucleus. This space incorporates cascading water features, terraces, and lookout platforms. Escalators provide direct access, while tiered seating and stairs encourage a slower, more interactive descent. Mimicking the signature architectural cantilever and shifting layers into the landscape creates a playful dialog between architecture and landscape, bringing the urban scale architectural iconic identity to the human scale experience of place.
At the heart of the design is a sunken plaza that serves as a social nucleus. This space incorporates cascading water features, terraces, and lookout platforms. Escalators provide direct access, while tiered seating and stairs encourage a slower, more interactive descent. Mimicking the signature architectural cantilever and shifting layers into the landscape creates a playful dialog between architecture and landscape, bringing the urban scale architectural iconic identity to the human scale experience of place.
Native species and existing vegetation were incorporated into the site, particularly along the riverside. These elements were carefully integrated to retain the site's original trees and riverside character while enhancing its ecological value.
The waterfront itself is a showcase for ecological design. A series of timber platforms, cycleways, and footpaths connect the site to the river, offering shaded spots for relaxation and interaction with the waterway. Whilst incorporating a multi-level flood mitigation strategy to ensure future resilience while enhancing the natural habitat.
From the cascading water features and shaded walkways to the bustling lifestyle offerings and serene riverside gardens, The Summit is a microcosm of Shanghai’s vibrant urban life.
From the cascading water features and shaded walkways to the bustling lifestyle offerings and serene riverside gardens, The Summit is a microcosm of Shanghai’s vibrant urban life.
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“
Our vision was to create a landscape that responds to the ever-changing dynamic of a modern city, a place that blends culture, community, and nature, offering adaptable spaces of connection, reflection, and enjoyment that are ever changing. This dynamic destination evolves with the city, providing a lasting experience that enriches the lives of all who engage with it.”
Stephen Buckle - Design Director
