Energising a Commercial Riverside District
MixC Wenzhou sits in the city’s riverside business district and has been designed to take advantage of its unique geographical setting along the Oujiang River. Lead8 delivered the retail architecture and planning for the scheme and had a vision to create an urban landmark and retail destination with an international perspective.
With its concept “seamless city, infinite experience”, the design examines the long-term impact and energy that mixed-use developments can bring to the city. Beyond a stand-alone retail mall, the development was seen as a living room for the city, and a place where the community and landscape could be further connected.
Bridging Landscapes
For the designers, MixC Wenzhou was an opportunity to establish a unique architectural image along the waterfront while delivering an activated public space for the city.
Through ecological bridges, multi-level pathways, sunken courtyards, landscaping, and double-height terraces overlooking the mountains, river and sea, the concept has introduced a lively commercial model to the district.
A large-scale canopy floats above the main river-facing façade, inspired by the city’s famous Banyan trees, and creating a shaded vantage point to enjoy all that MixC Wenzhou and its location have to offer. The facades complement the structure, showcasing an artistic interpretation of the “Oujiang Landscape” with a modern, elegant and undulating style that harmonises with the development’s retailers and tenants.
Dynamic Environments
Throughout the planning process, each plot of MixC Wenzhou has been organically aligned with public transportation through underground corridors, and indoor and outdoor elevated walkways, creating an all-weather, full-traffic, 24/7 integrated hub. This highly unified design helps sustain the long-term activation of the entire scheme and energise urban development.
The Lead8 team has also ensured an environmentally friendly design has come to the forefront. The plan comprehensively considers the needs of building users, including lighting, building energy consumption, air circulation, and the application of green building materials, to contribute to the sustainable and healthy development of the city.
Status: Built
Location: Wenzhou, China
Firm Role: Architecture – Retail, Retail Planning