Mapletree Minhang Development Proposal Aedas
In Minhang China, construction is underway towards the completion of the Mapletree Development Project designed by Aedas. The proposal involves two sites, the first being the Mapletree Business City and the second known as VivoCity. This ambitious project, prompted by Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd, is said to be their largest single investment in China to date. Upon completion the development will become the first large-scale commercial and retail mixed-use development in the district.
Courtesy of Aedas
Unfortunately a limited amount of information has been released on the specifics about the intended design and construction of the proposed structures for this project. However the site area of the development is approximately 119,000 square meters and the gross floor area will be about 297,000 square meters. What might be the main feature of the development, the VivoCity, is designed as a double looped mall that utilizes high efficiency technologies. The façade design for this structure is inspired by the traditional Chinese bamboo basket, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity. From the renderings it can be seen that the exterior is cladded with display screens for advertisements and a triangulated web of lighting that lifts up from the ground to reveal glass paneled entrances. The roof will also be accessible with a sparse amount of foliage.
Courtesy of Aedas
Extended from the VivoCity is the Mapletree Business City that consists of a few high-rise structures of various heights that will most likely be used as office spaces with possible other purposes as well. The whole development is planned to be constructed in three phases with Phase 1 already initiated with the recently held ground breaking ceremony.
The first and third phases will focus on the Mapletree Business City and the second phase will revolve around VivoCity. Although it is a long way from completion, with Phase 1 predicted to be finished in 2015, hopefully the development will live up to expectations and it will be interesting to see how the design may or may not change over time while it is being executed.
Project info :
Designer: Aedas
Location: Shanghai, China
Client: Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd
Kristin Hoover is an editor at Arch2O and a proud graduate of Virginia Tech. Since joining in July 2014, she has authored over 200 insightful articles covering everything from adaptive reuse and cultural centers to eco-buildings and urban infrastructure . With a passion for architectural storytelling, Kristin skillfully curates and crafts compelling narratives that bring design innovation to life. Her editorial work reflects a broad yet finely honed interest in how architecture intersects with society, technology, and the environment—making her a key voice shaping Arch2O’s explorations of contemporary built form.