Foster + Partners has won a competition to design a masterplan within Shanghai’s Putuo District.
Covering 3.2 square kilometres, the project encompasses the regeneration of the urban realm around Shanghai West Railway Station, revitalises the area around the historic Zhenru Temple, and transforms an undeveloped site at the heart of the district.
These key areas are connected by two parallel pedestrian corridors – Peach Tree Canal and Commercial Avenue – which are both enriched with nature and new community amenities.
Image: Foster + Partners
Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen for this transformative urban redevelopment project. Our holistic masterplan creates a vibrant pedestrian loop that links together Shanghai West Railway Station, the historic Zhenru Temple, and the new heart. This will completely redefine the experience of the district and make a major contribution to the city.”
The masterplan provides a new gateway to the district and creates a seamless arrival experience for visitors and locals. The urban realm around Shanghai West Railway Station is upgraded with a new public park, a plaza with built-in seating, and an elevated walkway that directly connects to surrounding areas. An integrated transportation hub brings together different modalities in one place – and there are also new underground pedestrian links from the station to Peach Tree Canal and Commercial Avenue.
Peach Tree Canal and Commercial Avenue are both lined with new peach blossom trees to highlight the circular pedestrian loop through the district. New community centres and public amenities are added to these corridors – and there are new outdoor spaces where locals can meet and socialise. Barriers along the canal’s edge are removed to improve views of the water and enhance the pedestrian experience
Zhenru Temple’s cultural axis is reinforced to attract new visitors to the district – with new cultural buildings and retail on either side. Existing shopfronts are restored and new pocket spaces bring the area to life. An adjacent 234,000 square-metre site becomes the new heart of the district, with a rich mixture of cultural buildings, sports facilities, offices, residential developments, and retail. A landmark mixed-use tower is the centrepiece of the scheme – and the experience of Zhenru Park is extended across the site. These new elements are joined together by an elevated treetop walk, which separates pedestrians from the road network and provides a safe and easy way to navigate the area. This vibrant new heart will create a 24-hour district – attracting new visitors and enhancing the city experience.
The masterplan incorporates environmental strategies, such as urban greening, rooftop rainwater collection systems, and integrated photovoltaic panels.
Martin Castle, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “Our interventions will redefine the arrival experience and provide integrated transport connections, while creating a new destination within the city with transformative public spaces and amenities.”
Marilu Sicoli, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, added: “We are working with the site’s existing assets – enhancing the canal network, extending green areas, and improving connections to important cultural landmarks.”
