Foster + Partners’ Sanlin Riverside development breaks ground

A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction work on a new mixed-use development, which is part of the wider Sanlin Riverside project in Shanghai. Designed by Foster + Partners, the development includes state-of-the-art offices to the north of the site, which connect with a retail offering and an additional workspace in the south. The buildings are joined together by landscaped plazas, gardens, and courtyards, as well a new park for community markets and festivals and a waterfront colonnade.

Sanlin Riverside development © Foster + Partners

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “We are creating a wonderful new waterfront destination in Shanghai, which will enrich the local area with offices, cafes, shops, restaurants, and a range of green community spaces. The scheme’s vibrant public ground plane joins up with the new bay and a nearby metro station for sustainable travel to and from the development.”

The offices feature vast atrium spaces, which bring natural light directly into the heart of the workplace, and sunken gardens that create a welcoming environment for employees and visitors. The atriums and gardens also enhance pedestrian connectivity across the development and link directly with the park. The retail component of the scheme includes a landmark building, which acts as the focal point for the development and includes a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Internal and external plazas function as public event spaces throughout the year. All new buildings are a modern representation of 20th century Shanghainese architecture.

Martin Castle, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, added: “Our development will bring a spirit of community to this new part of Shanghai. Pedestrian connectivity is central to the design concept, with underground parking that creates a completely car-free zone and abundant bike parking to encourage cycling across the district.”