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If you like the color red then we have just the project for you. Renowned architect, Jean Nouvel’s latest creation, The Roof has recently opened in downtown Shanghai.
The Red Project
The whole exterior and interior is a striking dark red and the structure is topped with a 140 meter canopy. Viewing terraces can be found throughout along with a ton of stores and restaurants. From outside the roof is apparent from far away with its more than 2000 flower containers adding more than a touch of greenery to the bustling city.
Other examples of Jean’s work include the Paris Philharmonic Hall and the Louvre in Abu Dhabi. The deep red color is, of course, inspired by the reds of ancient Chinese architecture and complimented well with the various green colors of the plants found throughout the area.
| Project: | The Roof, Shanghai |
| Location: | Jianguo East Road, Shanghai, China |
| Architect: | Jean Nouvel |
| Landscape Architecture: | ASPECT Studios |
| Dates: | 2018 to 2021 |
The Design
The project is certainly a major change on traditional shopping mall designs and perfectly combines those traditional Chinese colors and features with styles and designs commonly associated with Jean Nouvel. If you look closely you’ll even notice a Classical Chinese arched bridge linking the two sides of the shopping arcade.
A large number of stand out stores have opened up in The Roof including a Japanese-style Western restaurant with a menu designed by popular Chef Tsukiye Bowen; the first store of the prestigious skincare academy, Elysees Marbeuf and a store called FrieslandCampina, from the Netherlands, which combines a dairy product museum and a dessert shop into one space.
The Details
One aspect of the project which strikes locals is the attempt to replicate traditional Shanghai back streets, albeit in a daring and modern way. The old fashioned back alleys are known as Li’long and typically contain warrens of residential buildings and small businesses. The area surrounding this project is a mix of Li’long and ultra-modern business developments.
The plants chosen to decorate the inside and outside of this colossal development were designed to add to the urban biodiversity while also being appropriate for all seasons with their changing colors and quantity of foliage as the year progresses. During summer months the plants will create welcome shade while during the colder periods the fallen leaves will ensure more light is brought into the complex.
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