Shanghai, China

Shanghai EDGE by Ken Wai and Wei Li of Aedas for Shanghai Kaitong Wenan Construction Development is part of the Suhe plan, a major redevelopment aimed at transforming the northern riverfront of Suzhou Creek into a high-profile business and leisure destination. 

Shanghai EDGE has recently been awarded a 2022 International Architecture Awards Honorable Mention by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The project site is located on a corner right next to busy Xizang road and opposite Joy City mall. 

The site incorporates access to a popular metro station, which will guarantee high flows of pedestrian traffic. 

As a direct result of the city’s zoning regulations, the building’s shape is divided into four stepping tiers. 

These setbacks are used to create dramatic rooftop terraces, which serve as leisure areas, informal meeting spaces, or event venues. 

Adding these outdoor stages for interaction as extensions to the office floors highly improves the tenant’s experience. 

With the majority of these terraces facing south, the design aims to highlight views of Suzhou Creek. 

As the historic catalyst of the area, Suzhou Creek is the most important feature of the Suhe development. 

The 11 levels of office space are complemented by two levels of retail facilities, two levels of parking, and a connection to the subway system. 

A public garden occupies almost half of the site. It is designed with lush green features to provide a buffer zone between the busy traffic on the streets and the retail activity at the tower’s base. 

The retail and subway access activate this garden and attract a diversity of users to the site. 

The compact volume of the tower results in a highly energy-efficient building. 

Aiming at LEED Gold certification, the design features a vast array of sustainable solutions. 

The louver-covered skin façade balances high thermal comfort levels with floor-to-ceiling glazing. 

All deriving from a philosophy of quality and durability, these sustainable features contribute to the overall high standard for user experience. 

Overall, this efficient office tower presents the client with a sleek corporate identity. 

With subtle movements reflecting its vibrant surroundings, Shanghai EDGE offers its tenants as well as the community a strong identity.

Project: Shanghai EDGE
Architects: Aedas
Lead Architects: Ken Wai and Wei Li
General Contractor: Shanghai Construction No.2(Group) Co., Ltd. 
Client: Shanghai Kaitong Wenan Construction Development Co., Ltd 
Photographs Courtesy of the Architects