Blending experiential design and public realm

MixC Ningbo is a 168,000 sqm retail development located in the city’s Central Business District. The flagship property will provide a new urban lifestyle destination with a unique public realm and experiential design offer for Ningbo.

The dynamic multi-level retail development features a 700m street frontage, 24-hour Sky Walk, inbuilt Ferris Wheel and innovative placemaking strategy to create a compelling and surprising journey for customers. The design draws inspiration from Ningbo’s heritage, retaining the original form of the historic buildings – the sloping roof house.

The brief for the development was to create a destination that prioritises a community-centric approach alongside the commercial strategy. The scheme needed to be a first-of-its-kind for visitors, creating a place unlike any other currently in Ningbo. The design also needed to tell a story, enhance family values, healthy living and provide public open spaces for the community.

The ‘Sky Walk’ is a central feature of the design. A connected multi-level walkway, the corridor connects the entire development and provides open public realm with 24-hour access. A grand staircase from street level allows visitors different access points – both externally and internally.

Other design highlights include the Ferris Wheel, the first to be designed within a retail development in Ningbo and the ‘Tree House’ atrium, a feature of the interior design that provides spaces to relax, socialise and be inspired.