Situated along the historic Huaihai Middle Road, Huaihai Road TOD extends the urban fabric of the existing community with the development of a multi-level retail and entertainment complex built atop a transit center.

The form and character draw heavily from the surrounding community of the Shanghainese Longtangs - neighborhoods of Lilong or lane housing coinciding with the community’s western presence. The style creates a rich, cultural fabric along Huaihai Middle Road. The presence of the lilong-style house remains on the site and is celebrated by the restoration and re-use of two existing historic buildings that will function as multi-level event spaces and an integrated anchored bookstore at the corner of the site.

The massing utilizes the continuation of the street soft-scape up through the mall to the roof garden as a major feature of the mall. The rooftop, a lushly landscaped courtyard, is arrayed with restaurants and lounges which spill into the central courtyard. Panoramic views from the rooftop capture dynamic views toward the east side of Huaihai Road and beyond.

The basement ‘food street’ recalls the narrow lanes and alleyways of the Lilong housing, a cluster of fresh-convenient food stalls bringing to life cuisines from around the world. Project Vanke becomes a one-stop global gateway to anything from street food to farm-to-table offerings amplified in a modern interpretation of a turn-of-the-century Longtang.

Chu culture is famous for its state-of-the-art technologies in bronze smelting, silk knitting, embroidery, lacquerwork, and style within all the arts. This spirit of invention and innovation informs the project directly while maintaining a strong and respectful relationship with ancient Hanyang. The use of traditional building materials in more imaginative ways maintains this innovative character that was central to Chu culture.