XINTIANDI DONGTAILI
Unfolding the Shanghai Story in Space
LOCATION
Shanghai, China
SIZE
19,047 sqm
DATE COMPLETED
2025
PHOTOGRAPHER
RAWVISION studio
Situated in the heart of Shanghai, XINTIANDI DONGTAILI is part of the urban development in Greater Xintiandi area, a district long recognized for its blend of historic preservation and contemporary vibrancy. Located South of Huaihai Road and East of Taiping Lake, the site lies near the lively Xintiandi Shikumen Block.
Situated in the heart of Shanghai, XINTIANDI DONGTAILI is part of the urban development in Greater Xintiandi area, a district long recognized for its blend of historic preservation and contemporary vibrancy. Located South of Huaihai Road and East of Taiping Lake, the site lies near the lively Xintiandi Shikumen Block.
In 2018, Kokaistudios was commissioned to lead the architecture and interior design of the commercial space within this project. The development comprises a cluster of above-ground retail buildings totaling approximately 45,600 sqm, paired with an expansive underground commercial area of around 43,000 sqm.
In 2018, Kokaistudios was commissioned to lead the architecture and interior design of the commercial space within this project. The development comprises a cluster of above-ground retail buildings totaling approximately 45,600 sqm, paired with an expansive underground commercial area of around 43,000 sqm.
The project’s interior continues the urban narrative initiated by its exterior, offering a cohesive experience from outside to within. Extending its urban street block concept into the interior, the design draws inspiration from the theme of “Shanghai Story” to narrate the city’s historical and cultural evolution.
The project’s interior continues the urban narrative initiated by its exterior, offering a cohesive experience from outside to within. Extending its urban street block concept into the interior, the design draws inspiration from the theme of “Shanghai Story” to narrate the city’s historical and cultural evolution.
In the basement, rammed earth finishes evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of Old Shanghai; levels 1 to 3 feature finely textured washed aggregate coating, conjuring scenes from the city’s “Golden Era”; while the upper floors are framed by champagne-colored, sandblasted metal slats that point to a vision of vibrant contemporary.
In the basement, rammed earth finishes evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of Old Shanghai; levels 1 to 3 feature finely textured washed aggregate coating, conjuring scenes from the city’s “Golden Era”; while the upper floors are framed by champagne-colored, sandblasted metal slats that point to a vision of vibrant contemporary.
This material progression, aligned with the exterior articulation, creates a spatial experience that is both coherent and immersive—almost as if the facade has been extended inward.
This material progression, aligned with the exterior articulation, creates a spatial experience that is both coherent and immersive—almost as if the facade has been extended inward.
A key challenge was the integration of fire shutters required around the central atriums due to updated fire prevention codes.
A key challenge was the integration of fire shutters required around the central atriums due to updated fire prevention codes.
Rather than concealing or compromising the space, the design team reimagined these elements as a feature: the skylight grid is extended downward and merged with the fire shutter columns. The result is a dramatic metallic structure that not only meets regulatory demands, but also introduces a refined, artful centerpiece that elevates the retail environment.
Rather than concealing or compromising the space, the design team reimagined these elements as a feature: the skylight grid is extended downward and merged with the fire shutter columns. The result is a dramatic metallic structure that not only meets regulatory demands, but also introduces a refined, artful centerpiece that elevates the retail environment.
From its fragmented massing and walkable public realm to the seamless integration of interiors, facade, and landscape, the project reflects a vision of urban life rooted in connection and continuity. By layering architectural innovation with cultural storytelling and social utility, the development not only enriches Greater Xintiandi area, but also sets a new benchmark for inclusive, community-centered urban regeneration in Shanghai.
From its fragmented massing and walkable public realm to the seamless integration of interiors, facade, and landscape, the project reflects a vision of urban life rooted in connection and continuity. By layering architectural innovation with cultural storytelling and social utility, the development not only enriches Greater Xintiandi area, but also sets a new benchmark for inclusive, community-centered urban regeneration in Shanghai.
Situated in the heart of Shanghai, XINTIANDI DONGTAILI is part of the urban development in Greater Xintiandi area, a district long recognized for its blend of historic preservation and contemporary vibrancy. Located South of Huaihai Road and East of Taiping Lake, the site lies near the lively Xintiandi Shikumen Block.
In 2018, Kokaistudios was commissioned to lead the architecture and interior design of the commercial space within this project. The development comprises a cluster of above-ground retail buildings totaling approximately 45,600 sqm, paired with an expansive underground commercial area of around 43,000 sqm.
The project’s interior continues the urban narrative initiated by its exterior, offering a cohesive experience from outside to within. Extending its urban street block concept into the interior, the design draws inspiration from the theme of “Shanghai Story” to narrate the city’s historical and cultural evolution.
In the basement, rammed earth finishes evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of Old Shanghai; levels 1 to 3 feature finely textured washed aggregate coating, conjuring scenes from the city’s “Golden Era”; while the upper floors are framed by champagne-colored, sandblasted metal slats that point to a vision of vibrant contemporary.
This material progression, aligned with the exterior articulation, creates a spatial experience that is both coherent and immersive—almost as if the facade has been extended inward.
A key challenge was the integration of fire shutters required around the central atriums due to updated fire prevention codes.
Rather than concealing or compromising the space, the design team reimagined these elements as a feature: the skylight grid is extended downward and merged with the fire shutter columns. The result is a dramatic metallic structure that not only meets regulatory demands, but also introduces a refined, artful centerpiece that elevates the retail environment.
From its fragmented massing and walkable public realm to the seamless integration of interiors, facade, and landscape, the project reflects a vision of urban life rooted in connection and continuity. By layering architectural innovation with cultural storytelling and social utility, the development not only enriches Greater Xintiandi area, but also sets a new benchmark for inclusive, community-centered urban regeneration in Shanghai.
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