Miralles Tagliabue EMBT wins the competition for the renovation of ‘Century Square’ on East Nanjing Road in Shanghai, China

Located within one of the busiest commercial areas in the world, the renatured plaza will become the central place to experience the many facets of this cosmopolitan city of exceptional cultural richness.

With a strategy based on ecological awareness, the project renaturalizes the city centre, introducing green spaces to improve the urban microclimate. The fusion of environmental aspects together with the homage to the origin of the word Shanghai, which means “on the sea”, turn the square of the century’s project into a renewed and welcoming meeting place.

The pavement of the project, inspired by the sea and the nearby port, represents the richness of the underwater world. The design opens like a shell to reveal its pearl: a glittering kaleidoscopic building that reflects the new urban landscape on its facades while hosting events and shows.

The topography of the square on its south side creates a new urban eco-living: green hills, interwoven with existing trees, support a wooden tribune (or stands) that can be used in many different ways. The tribune also houses different functions such as cafes and shops. The presentations and night lights make the square a living place at any time of the day.

This first prize, won against David Chipperfield Architects, strengthens the presence of the Miralles Tagliabue EMBT studio in Asia where it continues with other ongoing projects such as the Business School of the Fudan University Campus in Shanghai or recently completed, such as the Zhang Daqian museum in Neijiang, China and the Chinatrust Office Tower in Taichung, Taiwan.