Architectural design and engineering studio Foster + Partners has been selected to design a transformative master plan for Shanghai鈥檚 Putuo District, through a competition win.
The master plan’s scope, covering 3.2km虏, includes an urban realm revitalisation around Shanghai West Railway Station, the regeneration of the historic Zhenru Temple area, and the development of an undeveloped site at the district鈥檚 centre.
These initiatives are designed to enhance the district’s connectivity through the introduction of two parallel pedestrian corridors, Peach Tree Canal and Commercial Avenue, both featuring nature-infused landscapes and new community amenities.
Foster + Partners studio head Gerard Evenden said: 鈥淲e are delighted to have been chosen for this transformative urban redevelopment project. Our holistic master plan creates a vibrant pedestrian loop that links together Shanghai West Railway Station, the historic Zhenru Temple, and the new heart. This will completely redefine the experience of the district and make a major contribution to the city.鈥�
The project will create a new gateway to the district and offer an enriched arrival experience for both visitors and locals.
The area around Shanghai West Railway Station will see significant upgrades, including a new public park, a plaza with built-in seating, and an elevated walkway that provides direct connections to the surrounding areas.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don鈥檛 let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAn integrated transportation hub will combine various transport modes, alongside new underground pedestrian links to Peach Tree Canal and Commercial Avenue.
The pedestrian corridors will be lined with peach blossom trees, symbolising the circular pedestrian loop through the district. New community centres, public amenities, and outdoor social spaces will be introduced along these paths.
The canal’s edge will also see improvements, with barriers removed to offer unobstructed views of the water and a better pedestrian experience.
Cultural enrichment is a key focus near the Zhenru Temple, where the cultural axis will be reinforced to attract visitors. This includes new cultural buildings, retail spaces, restored shopfronts, and the creation of new pocket spaces to invigorate the area.
A 234,000m虏 adjacent site will become the district’s new heart, featuring a diverse mix of sports facilities, offices, residential developments, and retail, anchored by a mixed-use tower.
Environmental strategies are stated to be integral to the master plan, with urban greening, rooftop rainwater collection systems, and integrated photovoltaic panels contributing to the district’s sustainability.
Foster + Partners senior partner Marilu Sicoli added: 鈥淲e are working with the site鈥檚 existing assets 鈥� enhancing the canal network, extending green areas, and improving connections to important cultural landmarks.鈥�
In April this year, Foster + Partners unveiled the design for the first residential-led development on Laheq Island at the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
