Designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre in Shanghai, China, have been revealed / Image: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners have revealed the designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta Region in Shanghai, China.
The mixed-use project features a cultural centre at its heart, with a learning centre, theatre and exhibition space, as well as offices, retail and residential areas.
A new water street runs north to south, through the centre of the development, drawing people towards the cultural centre and its adjacent green plaza. The design provides an array of outdoor public spaces and makes the most of the waterside setting, with pontoons, floating teahouses, and areas for paddling.
The cultural centre is the centrepiece of the project, with a sweeping roof that acts as a garden bridge. The east wing of the building contains three levels of theatre space, while the west wing contains two levels of the learning centre and an exhibition space above. The shaded garden bridge spans the new water street and provides views of the wider development.
Greenery and water will cover 35 per cent of the scheme’s residential areas, with green terraces provided for residents – offices are sited next to the residential zones, sharing their amenities and public spaces.
Here studio head Gerard Everden shares further details of the project:
What will it mean for the region to have such a large-scale cultural facility built? Xicen Science & Technology Centre is a landmark project, designed around the site’s natural resources, including the central Shengouxu Harbour. The human-centred design will have a positive impact on the wider area, showcasing its vibrant art and culture.
How would you sum up the design of the cultural centre? The cultural centre is envisaged as a community ‘living room,’ with new exhibitions and performances activating the space and state-of-the-art lighting design that enlivens the plaza at night.
How has the design been influenced by the local area? The design draws inspiration from Jinze Town, incorporating the symbols and architectural references of the ancient water town. The scheme also learns from traditional Jiangnan culture, translating more traditional elements into a modern design language.
Taking the form of a bridge, the cultural centre serves as a public passageway across the river, connecting the lakefront site and the commercial water street within the residential cluster, while providing a public space and viewing platform for people to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The project incorporates the existing wetlands and introduces sponge city strategies to retain rainwater. In the summer, when the temperature is high, the water system and greenery will cool public spaces across the development.
What are you proudest of with this project? Xicen Science & Technology Centre will set new standards for low impact waterside communities within the Yangtze River Delta region, and further afield. The human-scale project establishes connections with the natural world, maximising views towards Beihenggang Lake, while carefully knitting together the site’s waterways and new pedestrian routes.
Image: Foster + Partners
"The project incorporates the existing
wetlands and introduces sponge
city strategies to retain rainwater" – Gerard Everden, head of studio, Foster + Partners
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Designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre in Shanghai, China, have been revealed / Image: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners have revealed the designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta Region in Shanghai, China.
The mixed-use project features a cultural centre at its heart, with a learning centre, theatre and exhibition space, as well as offices, retail and residential areas.
A new water street runs north to south, through the centre of the development, drawing people towards the cultural centre and its adjacent green plaza. The design provides an array of outdoor public spaces and makes the most of the waterside setting, with pontoons, floating teahouses, and areas for paddling.
The cultural centre is the centrepiece of the project, with a sweeping roof that acts as a garden bridge. The east wing of the building contains three levels of theatre space, while the west wing contains two levels of the learning centre and an exhibition space above. The shaded garden bridge spans the new water street and provides views of the wider development.
Greenery and water will cover 35 per cent of the scheme’s residential areas, with green terraces provided for residents – offices are sited next to the residential zones, sharing their amenities and public spaces.
Here studio head Gerard Everden shares further details of the project:
What will it mean for the region to have such a large-scale cultural facility built? Xicen Science & Technology Centre is a landmark project, designed around the site’s natural resources, including the central Shengouxu Harbour. The human-centred design will have a positive impact on the wider area, showcasing its vibrant art and culture.
How would you sum up the design of the cultural centre? The cultural centre is envisaged as a community ‘living room,’ with new exhibitions and performances activating the space and state-of-the-art lighting design that enlivens the plaza at night.
How has the design been influenced by the local area? The design draws inspiration from Jinze Town, incorporating the symbols and architectural references of the ancient water town. The scheme also learns from traditional Jiangnan culture, translating more traditional elements into a modern design language.
Taking the form of a bridge, the cultural centre serves as a public passageway across the river, connecting the lakefront site and the commercial water street within the residential cluster, while providing a public space and viewing platform for people to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The project incorporates the existing wetlands and introduces sponge city strategies to retain rainwater. In the summer, when the temperature is high, the water system and greenery will cool public spaces across the development.
What are you proudest of with this project? Xicen Science & Technology Centre will set new standards for low impact waterside communities within the Yangtze River Delta region, and further afield. The human-scale project establishes connections with the natural world, maximising views towards Beihenggang Lake, while carefully knitting together the site’s waterways and new pedestrian routes.
Image: Foster + Partners
"The project incorporates the existing
wetlands and introduces sponge
city strategies to retain rainwater" – Gerard Everden, head of studio, Foster + Partners
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2024 issue 2
Interview: Sabrina de Carvalho
Changes are coming for Italian theme park Gardaland, with the launch of a major new attraction and an upcoming milestone. Its CEO lets us into the plans
Theme parks: Adventure unleashed
Some seriously exciting new rides and theme parks are taking shape across the globe. We highlight a few of our favourites
Immersive attractions: Sam Bompas
From fireworks displays that you can taste to a breathable cocktail cloud, Bompas & Parr redefine immersive experiences. We hear about their latest project
Technology: Beyond the rides
How can holographic technology be used to wow visitors and connect with audiences? We get an expert opinion
Talking point: Peak experiences
People are increasingly searching for experiences that transcend their daily lives. How can attractions create environments that spark joy and transformation?
Immersive attractions: Tom Lionetti-Maguire
In 2015, an unemployed actor caught the public mood when he launched the Crystal Maze Live Experience. Now the CEO of Little Lion is moving into the world of live video games
First person: Mastering the magic
When it comes to using architecture to evoke emotion in theme park design, none do it better than Disney, argues Justyn Smith. Here’s what we can learn from the magic-makers
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
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