Shimao 52+ Mini Mall and LINK Park

ASPECT Studio’s design for this urban mall and linear park in Nanjing resulted in a vibrant and meaningful addition to the developing urban fabric of a quickly developing neighborhood.

Inspired by the simple but potent idea of “connection,” the Shimao 52+ Mini Mall and LINK PARK comprises a series of interconnected, user-oriented spaces that playfully lead people to engage in social interaction and shared lifestyle experiences.

Bespoke crafted granite benches elegantly rise from the ground plane, creating places for people to rest and connect. Lighting cast through perforated screens set into the underside of the benches transforms and enlivens the hardscape in the evening.

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CLIENT Shimao Group
TEAM ASPECT Studios, Challenge Design
LOCATION Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
YEAR 2019

To meet the requirements of the space, a fleet of movable tree planters are integrated with seating and can be arranged into multiple arrangements to support events or other activations.

The social and commercial centerpiece of the project is 52+ Place, a plaza that is the natural home for major community events and activities. The plaza’s identity as a destination is reinforced by the two linear dancing fountains that flank it, and a line of custom granite benches positioned under a canopy of the trees, against a backdrop of digital lighting masts, trees and shrubs. An adjacent children’s play space extends a family-friendly atmosphere over the project.