Vanke Plaza Fuzhou is strategically located on busy Bai Ma Road, mid way between West Lake Park and the Min River.  The client briefing intended to create a dynamic residential and commercial space that would offer a “cultural experience” separating it apart from other city centers. The project consists of 8 high rise residential towers emerging from a neighborhood of retail streets (GFA 185,000sqm).  Our objective was to create a dynamic retail street using a “Valley of Connections” connecting the retail space with bridges, City Stages (event spaces), and courtyards, as well as a connection to the adjacent Bai Ma River Park.  The two main entrances  on the North and South sides along Bai Ma lu lead visitors into a sheltered retail street which flows around a series of sunken courtyards allowing direct access to both the super market and cinema complex. As pedestrians move along Bai Ma Lu the façade treatment creates an interesting pattern and rhythm.  Ground level is comprised of clear shop front glazing while the upper level is wrapped in a glass ‘scarf’.   The ‘scarf’ opens up to clearly mark the multiple entrances to the site while also displaying large advertisement graphics. The project began construction in 2011 and is due to be completed in 2014.