RED PLANET

The Red Planet
Life Hub | Daning Lu | Shanghai, China

It is a colorful experience composed by a bubbling basketball field, climbing surfaces and a race track that would go around the obstacles creating new spaces, allocating benches and seating features as well as some triangular red board drawing surfaces.
The Red Planet is a colorful painted scape from which volumes emerges generating shapes that can be enjoy by different users. It has many different functions for entertainment of kids and adults alike. It also offers shading and resting features.

Red Planet Video | 100A channel

The Red Planet is a public space intervention designed to foster interactions, attract customers and enhance the experience in the privately-owned public space within an open-air Retail Street.

Life Hub @ Daning, a 250,000 sqm mixed use development with 110,000 sqm shopping mall, is one of the hottest shopping centers in Shanghai, due to its condition of open-air retail street.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

From the very beginning the marketing team of Life Hub @ Daning insisted on creating something IMAGINATIVE, INSPIRATIONAL & INNOVATIVE. Something unexpected beyond any typical decorative installation, that would attract kids and adults alike to come and use it, rather than pass by and observe it.

An intervention that, by itself, would turn a circulation area into a “SPACE” to stop & stay, where their customers could bring their kids and families and spend some quality time interacting with other kids and families.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

Our proposal arose from a SURREAL approach, from the intention of breaking the conventional rules of perception, of what is already conceived as reality, in order to trigger kids’ imagination and creativity as well as immersing them in a colorful experience. An unexpected place for passersby.

The Red Planet features a bubbling basketball field which serves as a surreal playground, rather than a typical basketball field, providing an artificial topography for playing, climbing, sliding, sitting, laying, and many other gerunds out of the kids’ own imagination of how to colonize and use the space in ways we did not even imagine at first.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

To enhance the narrative of the environment, a bent basketball basket was introduced, hosting in it LED lights to illuminate the area.
Other features such as a racing track defining the border of the installation, chalkboard pyramids as both, obstacles and creativity platforms, benches for parents and other random games, complemented the range of fun activities that both, kids and adults, were able to undertake.

The monochromatic treatment, with shades of red, was also applied on top of existing urban furniture and decorative elements from the place, aiming to generate a more immersive experience onto the surreal “Red Planet”.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

Project Credits

Project name: Red Planet
Designer: 100architects
Design team: Marcial Jesus, Javier Gonzalez, Eunice Tsa
Client: Life Hub @ Daning, (Chongbang Group)
Location: Daning Road, Jin’An District, Shanghai, China
Built area: 245m2
Height: 15mts
Completion: June 2017
Photographer: Amey Kandalgaonkar

UNDERWATER OFFICE

Underwater Office Space
The Bund | BFC Tower | Shanghai, China

100architects was commissioned by Club Med to design their new office space in Shanghai. The French company was moving its Asia-Pacific Headquarter to the recently finished Bund Financial Center, at The Bund, designed by Foster + Partners & Heatherwick Studio.

Club Med is specialized in the market of all-inclusive holidays, with many vacation villages and resorts in the most exotic and breathtaking destinations around the World.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

From the very first meetings with them, they state very clearly that Club Med is an unconventional company, and their new office should reflect extravagancy, presenting themselves as a young & fresh company. Therefore, when brainstorming about the concept idea, the first thought in which we all agreed was to design an office that inspires vacations, holidays, and reflects the happiness that one feels when arriving to a new sunny destination at the sea.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

Although the scope of work included the design of the entire office, Club Med specifically requested to have special accent in 2 main areas: the signature Lobby, which would be the space in charge of offering a very good first impression to clients and visitors alike; and the Pantry, which should be understood as a social space for employees, rather than just a pantry to have coffee or breakfast. Informal gatherings and team building activities were intended to take place in the social Pantry.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

Based on a Mediterranean feelings of holidays, which is swimming, the Lobby was conceptualized to mimic a swimming pool, in which visitors would be submerged under water.
To create this illusion, a deep blue elevated pipe was designed to be hanging overheads, looping around the lobby defining different mini-areas within the lobby area. The shape of the pipe is at the same time projected onto the floor, in order to enhance the virtual subdivision of the space, having 2 different materials on both sides of the projected pipe: blue PVC carpet as the pool water, and PVC Wood flooring as the deck around the pool.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

The result is a multifunctional (but virtually subdivided) space in which each loop offers a mini-function, such as a reception desk, meeting room, waiting area, informal meeting spaces, hanging phone booths, etc…

The Pantry was designed to be as functional as possible having into account the diversity of activities that it would host. As main features, a long yellow kitchen was designed to solve all the practical needs of cooking, storing, coffee making, etc, in the same space, while a wooden mini-amphitheater was located at the end of the space in order to provide enough seating areas for hosting communal activities or public speeches.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

The working areas where solved with an open office typology, in order to foster relationships among employees and directors. Functionally efficient, working spaces count not only with long communal working tables, but also with private offices with glass partitions, enhancing transparency and bringing natural light to all corners. Hanging greenery has been also included as a good mood generator.

Special mention for the 2 pieces of signature furniture designed for the open office in order to provide platforms for interactions among employees. Their morphology defines other mini-functions such as team briefings, small workshops, informal meetings, etc…

This project was in collaboration with the product designer Diego Fuertes.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

Project Credits

Project name: The Underwater offices, ClubMed Shanghai Headquarters.
Designer: 100architects + product designer Diego Fuertes
Design team: Javier Gonzalez, Marcial Jesus, Diego Fuertes.
Client: ClubMed
Location: BFC tower (Bund Financial Center) Shanghai, China
Built area: 1450m2
Completion: March 2017
Photographer: Amey Kandalgaonkar

THE ROOSTER

The Rooster
XinTianDi | Shanghai | China

An interactive Instant public space to celebrate CNY. It is an inhabitable architectural object designed to foster interactions among the users. Its morphology is embedded with functions to be openly used in the public space.

As part of the big celebration that Xintiandi China organized for the Chinese New Year 2017, the renowned award-winning commercial area commissioned 100architects the design of the main installations on their popular retail street in downtown Shanghai.
Xintiandi is a landmark not only for shopping, entertaining, leisure and lifestyle, but also for art display.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

The Rooster Video | 100A Chanel

To celebrate the Year of the Rooster, the installations would have to highlight the Rooster’s character according to the Chinese Zodiac beliefs and tradition.

After researching past installations in Xintiandi, one thing became clear to us: it would not be an installation to be observed, it should be an installation to be used and enjoyed by the visitors, offering them the possibility to colonize the space and interact with it. A fun experience to be part of, rather than just watch it.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

In order to achieve that, we morphed the proposal from a simple installation into a people’s attractor, catching the attention of visitors, as Roosters like to do, being the focus of the attention.

In 100 Architects, we have few research lines as strategies to intervene the public space. One of them is what we call “Painted Scapes”, a two-dimensional approach based on the idea of transforming the surface of a given cityscape; Another one of them is “Object Plazas”, a three-dimensional approach, placing alienated objects onto a given cityscape to change its social dynamics.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

In Xintiandi, seeking to maximize the visual impact, we decided to combine these 2 strategies displaying an installation in both, 2D patterns and 3D objects combined together, creating an illusion in which the 3D objects seem to arise from the 2D canvas.

The project was a vivid & colorful journey across detailed spaces resembling Chinese culture and the Year of the Rooster, building a unique experience that remained in visitors’ minds.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

The installation was composed by:
2D Painted Scape: A colorful carpet invading a big part of Xintiandi Retail Street, featuring functions, activities, suggesting actions and games. It is also a splash of chinese patterns and intriguing symbology related to the year of the Rooster.
It also included 5 directional arrows arising from typical chinese lanterns, pointing at the 5 “instant fuctions” provided in the 3D Object Plaza.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

3D Object Plaza: An inhabitable architectural object inserted in the center of the main plaza. This architectural object acted as an accessible and multifunctional platform, allowing people to stand on top of it, sit down on it, lay down, etc… It provided programmatic features that complement and enhance the surrounding environment.

It became highly significant in the collective consciousness of the people around it, triggering social effects of fellowship and empathy.

©Amey Kandalgaonkar

The Rooster At Night Video | follow the 100 Chanel

CREDITS

PROJECT NAME: The Rooster
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai)
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Nasim Sehat
CLIENT: XinTianDi China
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: China, Shanghai Shi, Huangpu Qu, XinTianDi,
BUILT AREA: 73m2
HEIGHT: 15mts
PAINTED SCAPE: 750m2
COMPLETION: January 2017
PHOTOGRAPHY: Amey Kandalgaonkar
VIDEOGRAPHY: 100architects

RGB COLORS

RGB
KunSquare | Kunshan | Shanghai, China

RGB is an exciting interior revamp project designed to transform the public areas in 6 different spots of Kunsquare in Kunshan into vibrant spaces that cater to families, with a special focus on providing a stimulating experience for children. The primary objective is to create an environment that sparks their curiosity, encourages exploration, and fosters communication and learning through educational and sensorial illusions.

RGB Colors | Official Video | 100 Channel

The name RGB holds a special meaning for this project as each installation within it is intricately linked to the RGB color palette. RGB, an abbreviation for red, green, and blue, represents the primary colors used in digital displays. In line with this concept, every installation in RGB features a dominant color that corresponds to one of these primary hues. This deliberate choice not only creates visually captivating spaces but also reinforces the project’s theme and provides a cohesive experience for visitors. From vibrant reds to brilliant greens and captivating blues, each installation immerses guests in a world of color, stimulating their senses and enhancing their overall journey.

With the aim of attracting young families to the previously underutilized spaces, the project has successfully increased the number of visitors year-round. By offering an immersive and engaging experience, we have seen a significant surge in the flow of people, resulting in an important increase in footfall by around 20% compared to previous years.

To achieve this, we meticulously analyzed the entire floor plan, identifying key spots that serve as ideal locations for featured installations. Carefully considering the normal course of commercial activities, we strategically placed these interventions without disrupting the overall functionality of the mall. By doing so, we have created an enticing journey for families as they explore the various spaces.

The installations themselves are designed to hyper stimulate the senses, captivating both children and adults alike. Bright colors, interactive elements, and innovative displays create an atmosphere of wonder and excitement. Each installation is carefully crafted to provide a unique and memorable experience, encouraging active participation, and sparking imaginative thinking.

Moreover, we have incorporated an eye-catching painted scape that seamlessly connects the interventions, resulting in a cohesive themed experience throughout the mall. This cohesive approach not only minimizes the number of intervened spaces but also maximizes the impact and success of the project as a whole.

The success of RGB can be measured by the overwhelmingly positive response from families who have experienced the revitalized spaces. By transforming these public areas into dynamic and engaging environments, we have created a destination that families eagerly return to time and time again. The increase in footfall is a testament to the project’s success in attracting young families and establishing Kunsquare as a premier destination for entertainment, learning, and exploration.

In summary, RGB is a transformative project that has reimagined the public areas of Kunsquare in Kunshan, providing a stimulating and immersive experience for families, especially children. By strategically placing installations, creating a cohesive themed experience, and significantly increasing the flow of people, we have successfully breathed new life into the space, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and exploration for all who visit.

Credits

PROJECT NAME: RGB Colors
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Eunice Ma.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM: Jenny Fan
CLIENT: KunSquare
SIZE: 4,000 m2
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: Kunshan (China)
PHOTOGRAPHY: Amey Kandalgaonkar
VIDEOGRAPHY: 100architects

STYLED GATE

Styled Gate
XinTianDi | Shanghai | China

The Styled Gate is a creative outdoor intervention designed as a campaign to enhance the Chinese New Year of the Rooster’s experience at Xintiandi Style, a thriving, renowned award-winning commercial area of Shanghai.

The colours and designs drop from the facade to the ground to gently bend to become benches and urban furnitures. This action transform the gate into an eventful public plaza where people would not only stay but also engage with the space and the people around.

Styled Gate Official Movie | 100A Channel

For this campaign, 100 Architects was commissioned to design an eye-catching 2D graphic to be printed onto perforated stickers to cover the entire curtain wall façade of all entrances to Xintiandi Style in order to call the attention of pedestrians during Chinese New Year.

To celebrate the Year of the Rooster, the intervention had to highlight the Rooster’s character according to Chinese Zodiac beliefs and tradition, therefore colorful and eye-catching, almost showing off.

However, the idea of just a graphic design without a direct impactful effect on people around was not appealing enough for us. The exercise would have been reduced to design an advertising billboard.

Instead, we came up with the idea of intervening not only the façade, but also the space in front of it, creating an L-shape holistic intervention of floor-façade as one entity, turning a Graphic Design commission into a Spatial Painted Scape intervention.

To achieve that, we followed two strategies: The first one was to conceive both parts, the ground’s horizontal plane and the façade’s vertical plane, as one continuous “two-dimensional canvas” where the rendered graphic would transform the given surface.

The second strategy was to drag the 2D graphic out of the façade, turning it into three-dimensional objects that would provide instant functions as benches for people to gather, sit and rest.
By doing that, we turned a circulation space into space to stay, into a meeting point to meet friends before getting into the commercial space, a space to sit and have a rest from shopping.

We turned a regular mall entrance into a vivid & colorful splash of Chinese patterns and intriguing symbology resembling the Chinese culture and the Year of the Rooster itself.

CREDITS

Project name: Styled Gate
Designer: 100architects
Design team: Marcial Jesus, Javier Gonzalez, Nasim Sehat
Production: Hong Yang Advertising
Client: Xintiandi Style, (China Xintiandi – Shui On Land)
Location: Xintiandi, Shanghai, China
Built area: 200 m2
Completion: January 2017
Photographer: Amey Kandalgaonkar

RED WEST GATE

Glocal West Gate
Jiading | Shanghai | China

Introduction

This project was developed within the context of a closed competition by invitation organized by the local Government of Jiading, in which their aim was to renovate the traditional West Gate to downtown Jiading.

Occupied by a local wet street market, the West Gate has been losing over time the cultural relevance and significance that had on the past.

It is a massive red platform that extends throughout the entire wet street market generating an alternative elevated pathway on the 2nd floor that provides of new retail and cultural spaces.

The red elevated walkway has a big and striking featured public space right in the middle of the street, a space for the people, thought and designed to encourage social interactions, contact and relationships among users. A place to sit, talk, share, teach, learn, rest, etc…

The new proposal was intended not only to bring back the relevance of all this cultural heritage, but also reactivate the area by the injection of commercial and cultural activity.

Understanding the wider context of the city of Jiading allowed us to draw inspiration from the traditional environment. With almost 800 years of history, Jiading is a town with a strong craftmanship tradition and a well-known culture of tolerance and respect to the coexistence of different ideas and beliefs. It has been historically famous for its educational institutions, a big tradition of passing on the knowledge.

The DNA of the place

The total area of the renovation is 5950 m2, in which we aimed to identify the cultural DNA of the area and to address and highlight it through our design and program, in order to provide a new scenario for its reborn, passing on its heritage.

They can be as simple elements as the pavement material of the West Street, or the little patios hidden behind the walls, or complex characteristic carpentry and woodwork present in the most significant façades.

The proposal can be summarized as a cumulative process of several key points based on the idea of preserving the old & traditional soul while embracing new & contemporary solutions.

1. Preserving the key buildings, the most significant ones & kept in better conditions, in order to preserve the memory of the past settlement. 2. Preserving the old street pathway and materials, as the footprint that carries the soul of the old street 3. Taking advantage of characteristic elements of the site, such as the waterfront, and the patios, in order to enhance the way visitors, experience the public space. 4. Creating an alternative elevated pathway on the 2nd floor, increasing the linear meters of retail + cultural spaces while boosting the perception of the surrounding area, visually striking due to its different color and materiality, providing strength and personality to the architectural proposal. It is both, an aesthetical and a commercial strategic improvement. 5. Introducing a platform for an alternative type of cultural retail, workshops, galleries, etc…, which will culturally enrich & complement the regular retail scheme.

The Multilevel Strategy

The pedestrian platform on the 2nd level is one of the most important innovations with regard to the current existing situation. It is both, a commercial and a functional + aesthetical strategic improvement.

It is a huge commercial strategic improvement since the length of potential commercial façades facing the pedestrians is multiplied by 3. This means that where we previously had roughly 200 meters of commercial façade, now we could have around 600 meters of façades from rentable spaces, making the intervention economically more feasible.

Fundamentally based on the idea of « giving something back to the society », it improves not only the commercial activity, but also the public space of the whole area. Not only retailers, sellers or local craftsmen and artisans would benefit from the new proposal, but also the entire community of West Gate in particular and Jiading in general. They would have a new public space to meet, to share, to walk, to talk, to learn, to relax, to laugh & have fun.

Credits

PROJECT NAME: Red West Gate
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai)
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Vivian Song
CLIENT: Friends of West Market Street
SIZE: 5950 m2
STATUS: Unbuilt
LOCATION: Jiading West Gate, China

SUSPENDED HEXAGON

The Suspended Hexagon
London | UK

What if public spaces could transcend the confines of the ground? Welcome to the Suspended Hexagon, an awe-inspiring installation that challenges traditional concepts of urban furniture. This suspended public space, detached from the ground, offers a new way to envision and experience public realm in cities.

How does it work? The entire installation hangs gracefully from wire ropes, rigged to a main metallic structure held by two cranes on-site. By defying gravity, the Suspended Hexagon reimagines public space, avoiding physical occupation of the land and proposing a virtual colonization that leaves the raw space untouched.

Located in the vibrant Euston Square Gardens, along a bustling pedestrian pathway between the train station and Camden, the Suspended Hexagon beckons visitors to explore its unique offerings. Traditionally, urban furniture has been designed to be attached to the ground, limiting flexibility and versatility. However, we believe that public functions can be provided while being detached from the physical space itself.

Hanging furniture is not a new concept, but we aim to bring it to the public realm on a larger scale. Private interior spaces have seen the exploration of hanging furniture, but our challenge at 100architects is to create a public multifunctional hanging platform. This platform presents a condensed program of various functions, all provided from above.

Our vision for Euston Square Gardens is to transform the fast-paced pedestrian flow into a stationary square—a place where people don’t just pass through but instead slow down, stop, and enjoy the surroundings. Can we captivate the attention of those rushing to catch a train or hurrying to their offices or universities?

The Suspended Hexagon takes the shape of a mesmerizing hexagon divided into six equilateral triangles. Each triangle hosts a different function, boasting its own character, mood, color, and materiality. The entire structure, including all its parts, hangs from another structure or crane without touching the ground—a truly captivating sight.

Let’s explore the diverse functions within the Suspended Hexagon:

The Hammock Forest: Picture 21 fabric lianas hanging from the triangular wooden grid, forming a secondary structure that invites relaxation and connection with nature.

The Laying Nets: Delight in three hexagonal laying nets made of durable nylon, accompanied by 12 solid triangles that serve as seating areas or tables for those resting on the nets.

The Hanging Picnic: Experience the joy of dining and socializing on suspended tables and chairs—nine of each—creating a novel setting for conversations, work, reading, sipping coffee, studying, and more.

The Cavity: Step into a multifunctional space with a curved ceiling that enhances acoustics, offering an inviting retreat for various activities and gatherings.

The Blanquets: Encounter three large synthetic hammocks hanging from the triangular wooden grid, providing cozy spots to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

The Playground: Engage in playfulness with nine fabric “socks” housing playful pendulum systems, each containing a plastic ball inside, inviting laughter and interaction.

The Suspended Hexagon is a testament to innovative design, pushing the boundaries of what public spaces can offer. It invites visitors to reimagine the relationship between people, architecture, and gravity itself. Prepare to be enchanted as you enter a suspended realm, where function meets artistry, and the extraordinary becomes the norm.

Join us in embracing the Suspended Hexagon—a vibrant testament to the limitless possibilities of urban design and a remarkable addition to the dynamic cityscape of London.

VERTICAL TIMES

Vertical Times
Times Square | New York | USA

Introduction
In this specific case, 100architects was asked to explore the possibilities of inserting public functions and environments typically associated with urban parks within Times Square, in order to give a commercial twist to the current cityscape offered by the place to both, citizens and tourists. Basically, turn the Square into a more livable and enjoyable space with a strong urban character.

When thinking about Times Square, about how to occupy and modify the scarce available space, and how to create an impactful effect in a place already quite impacting by itself, immediately 2 concepts became the most representative, VERTICALITY and DENSITY.

In this era of fast-growing cities and hyper-dense urban environments, numerous theories have arisen around the concept of “compact cities”, about how to manage and optimize this density and diversity, in order to impact positively on cities’ spatial and ecological footprint, and improve their efficiency in terms of land, resources and energy consumption.

Vertical Times is a project driven by all this questions, and by the opportunities that appear from them, calling for an exploration of new ways of thinking and understanding urban public spaces, their new morphologies and the new roles they will play in future cities.

Concept
The main conceptual idea of Vertical Times lies in multiplying the intended space for public recreation in a vertical way, compacting it in an inhabitable object, sort of imitating the growth model of NYC, due to the lack of available space. A so-called Vertical Park.

It sets a different approach in the design of public space, no longer needing to be large horizontal extension of land, but rather a multilayered metabolism with a softer impact on land consumption, and mimicking better with its urban surroundings, while establishing a highly recognizable landmark in the city.

Functions
The first 2 platforms would be dedicated to Kids recreational areas, such as Playground in the 1st platform and a Balls Pool in the 2nd platform. The next couple of platforms would be intended to host the functions related to public relaxation & green areas, with a Hammock Plaza in the 3rd platform, and a Sky Garden in the 4th one.

And finally, the top 2 platforms would host the F&B commercial areas, with a Restaurant on the 5th platform and a Sky Bar on the top 6th platform.

Structure
The structure is a concrete-steel combined system, based on a reinforced concrete central core, acting as main column transmitting the loads to the ground, as well as hosting the central lift; and radial steel beams supporting each platform. There is also a secondary structure of metallic tensors on the exterior of the cylinder, absorbing vibrations.

Dimentions
The shape can be inscribed in a virtual cylinder of 12 m. of diameter and 55 m. of total height. In plan view, the area that the volume occupies is just 113 m2, however the structure is design to completely release the ground floor from any structural element except the central column.

Credits

PROJECT NAME: Vertical Times
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai)
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Madalena Sales, Javier Gonzalez
CLIENT: Undisclosed
SIZE: 676m2
STATUS: Unbuilt
LOCATION: New York, Time Square, US

URBAN LUNG

Urban Lung
Shnaghai | China

The object known as “the urban lung” derives its name from its unique cylindrical structure, adorned with lush greenery. Its metal framework allows plants to climb and settle in a cylindrical shape, creating a captivating spectacle that reaches a remarkable height of over 8 meters.

At its base, this project serves as a platform for interactions, transforming into an object-plaza where people can relax and engage in recreational activities. Its distinctive morphology provides a diverse range of functions for public use, offering a landscape of possibilities.

Above the object-plaza rests the cylindrical green lung, a vertical structure standing 6 meters tall, extending the total height to 8.4 meters. This green cylinder serves as a vertical wall, creating a refreshing and unconventional space that acts as a natural absorber of smog, particles, and other pollutants commonly found in polluted cities.

The green vertical cylinder is adorned with a carefully selected variety of plants that serve as nature’s purifiers. These resilient and adaptable species possess remarkable capabilities to absorb and filter pollutants that plague our urban environments. The foliage includes a mix of air-purifying plants such as ferns, ivy, spider plants, and peace lilies, each contributing to the cleansing process in its unique way. They actively absorb harmful particulate matter, including dust, smoke, and soot, effectively improving the air quality within their green embrace.

Additionally, these plants are adept at absorbing gaseous pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are common contributors to urban pollution. Through their natural processes, these plants play a vital role in mitigating the harmful effects of pollution, creating a fresher and healthier atmosphere for the surrounding area.

This project is not only a sculptural masterpiece but also an authentic piece of street architecture. It becomes a memorable focal point, attracting attention and serving various functions beneath the green cylinder. From a slide playground and grandstand to a table area or wooden deck, it provides users with new and exciting ways to enjoy public space while contributing to the purification of the air we all breathe.

Elevated from the ground, the silo acts as a prominent landmark and a wayfinding element. It enhances the surrounding cityscape, creating a visually stunning and playful landmark that draws people in and encourages interactions. Moreover, it has the potential to serve as an ideal catalyst for commercial schemes, adding value to the urban environment.

This proposal represents a fresh perspective on public space, bringing it closer to the users and generating a strong sense of identity. By introducing new possibilities to urban spaces, it fosters a vibrant atmosphere and invites people to experience the city in innovative ways.

CREDITS:

Project Name:Design: 100architects (Shanghai)
Design Team: Marcial Jesús, Javier González.
Completion: February 2016
Location: Shanghai, China

FUN FINDER

Fun Finder
Xintiandi, Shanghai | Winter Festival | KTGA

100architects was commissioned to develop an interactive installation for the Winter Festival 2015 of KTGA (Kick the Gong Around), a company specialized in organizing immersive events and festivals as Narrative Environments, physical or virtual spaces in which stories can unfold.

The project took place in an unfinished structure of a shopping mall right in Shanghai downtown, at Xintiendi, one of the most glamorous streets of China.
The unfinished mall opened its doors for becoming a semipublic space to host the KTGA winter festival 2015.

String Theory| Fun Finder | 100 Channel

For this specific event, KTGA and the event sponsor, PERRIER WATER, requested us to create a vivid journey across detailed spaces, building a unique experience that would remain in visitors minds forever.

In order to achieve that, we reinterpreted the concepts of installation and interactivity. On one hand, morphing the proposal from a simple installation into a people’s attractor, catching the attention of visitors, and on the other hand, running away from trendy high-tech interactions, and, instead, focusing on a simplistic vivid journey across spaces as generator of the attraction itself, reducing the meaning of journey to its bare minimum: the path you journey through.

Therefore, the installation was conceived as a signage project, but rather than concentrating it on the destinations (different spaces across the venue which one could reach), we opted for emphasizing the paths themselves, creating unique visual experiences for each path, prioritizing the enjoyment of the way over the destination.

Seeking to maximize the visual impact, the project was displayed in both, 2D and 3D paths combined together, beginning with a three-dimensional sculptural signage, which would colonize the central void of the venue to make it visible from any place, and materialized with colored nylon strings. Those strings would provide first hints about destinations to reach.

Once the 3D stripes collide with the floor, they become a two-dimensional splash of vivid colors invading the whole floor with funny and intriguing patterns that would provide second hints about the destinations. Those 2D stripes were materialized with PVC vinyl stuck on the floor.

Master Drawing by 100architects

Conceptual Image by 100architects

Making Off| Fun Finder | 100 Channel

Credits

PROJECT NAME: Fun Finder
DESIGN: 100 Architects (Shanghai)
DESIGN TEAM: Marcial Jesús, Javier González
CLIENT: KTGA + Water Perrier
SIZE: 2,280 m2
STATUS: Built
LOCATION: Xintiendi, Shanghai (China)