Construction work just resumed at the Shanghai site for the new Cofco Cultural and Health Center designed by Steven Holl Architects.

The 80,944-sf facility combines medical spaces, a pharmacy and nursery with cultural functions, including a library, gym, exhibition area, cafe, and community areas.

Arranged around a circular central public garden, the two-building ensemble topped out in January and aims for completion in December 2020.

"The new Shanghai Cofco Cultural and Health Center aims at being a
'social condenser,' bringing the community of the surrounding new
housing blocks together in a public space and park along an existing
canal," explains the project description. "While the housing blocks are
repetitive and extensive, here the architecture is of spatial energy and
openness, inviting the whole community in for recreational &
cultural programs while health needs are provided by the integral health
building."

"The landscape and two new public buildings are merged by the concept of 'Clouds & Time.' While the landscape is organized in large clock-like circles forming a central public space, the buildings are cloud-like in their porosity and openness. The Cultural Center, built out of white concrete, hovers over a transparent glass base which exposes the café, game and recreation rooms. A curved ramp, climbing gently up to the second floor creates a continuous overlooking experience."

"The Health Center, also made of white concrete, is shaped by the curves of the landscape, developing a strong relationship between its 'cloud-like' parts and the whole of the landscape. Both buildings have green sedum roofs merging further with the landscape when seen from above and in the surrounding apartment buildings."

"The quarter circle pool and fountain reflects the building's central space and provides rainwater recycling. The buildings, which are geothermally cooled, aim to be LEED platinum."

East China Architectural Design & Research Institute is the collaborating Associate Architect.