Located in the Futian Central Business District (CBD) area of Shenzhen, and well-known to locals for its distinctive looped design, The Link CentralWalk shopping mall is asset manager REIT’s first large-scale property in Mainland China.

Tasked with upgrading the facility, global practice Aedas decided on a complete revamp. Beyond rethinking its spatial layout and improving traffic flow, the architects resolved to transform it into nothing less than an ‘urban paradise’. In response to that, structural changes were made with the introduction of a central spine and visual cues were incorporated to ensure smooth circulation.

The principle idea is to strengthen the indoor-outdoor relationship, increasing commercial value for retailers through strategic planning. The interior, façade and landscaping were hence upgraded.

Now complete, the piazzas have been redesigned with increased accessibility, public seating and communal spaces. The facility is home to alfresco dining, seasonal events, social encounters, interactive art installations, leisure activities and more.

A green belt welcomes vegetation from the outdoor landscape into the interior space. Planters are set along the void edges and seasonal plants suspended from the ceiling act as passive guides.

Structurally, the existing loop now breaks into two retail wings, which are seamlessly connected to both the piazzas (to the east and west), and the main entrance and event atrium (along the new central spine). In addition, central arcades (which link the North Atrium to the South Main Entrance) have been added to all levels.

Beyond that, and in line with the ‘urban paradise’ ambition, visitors to The Link CentralWalk can expect to be taken on a sensory journey. Taking cues from the four seasons, the architects have divided the project into four separate zones. Each features its own colour, scent, background music, imagery, and organic inclusions.

Complete with interactive projection systems – and even a snow blower – when experienced individually, each is intended to evoke the corresponding season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). Experienced together, as a cyclical whole, the journey is intended to invite a gradual immersion into a state of relaxation and environmental awareness.

Or as Aedas Executive Director Ed Lam puts it, “CentralWalk is a green-inspired hub that will set the new benchmark for retail architecture and urban living.” All quite ambitious, of course – time will tell if his words prove correct and the project satisfies these lofty goals.

Aedas
aedas.com

Photography by TAL

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The Link CentralWalk

Client: Link REIT

Location: Shenzhen, China

Architect: Aedas

Design Directors: Ed Lam

Total Floor Area: 83,900 sqm

Date of completion: 2022

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