2016-06-08

Old Tea Factory Creative Park

After a competitive bid Haskoll were appointed by developer Hopson to undertake a unique and challenging refurbishment project to an old Tea Factory.  

The project is located in the North of Yangpu District, Shanghai and with direct access and views along Qiu River the industrial complex is a mix of different periods and architectural styles. Since closing, the buildings have been utilized for storage by logistics companies and now the developer Hopson plan to convert the space into a leading creative park. 

Haskoll have carried out a comprehensive analysis of the site and from their extensive study developed the design for the buildings and surrounding riverside landscape into a leisure and entertainment hub for the whole scheme. Haskoll’s Shanghai office has worked to maximize the potential of the riverside by converting an existing iron canopy into a covered market with outdoor entertainment space. The design allows stepped auditorium style seating along the length of the river edge giving people access to the planned dock and an informal seating and resting place.  

The plan is to convert the existing 4 story buildings into SOHO units which benefit from large ceiling heights and big windows. The existing structure will be updated and modernized to provide balconies and floor to ceiling glazing. Level 1 will be adapted to house creative offices and F&B opportunities. The building will also be designed to consider renewable energy with wind turbines and solar panels. 

The landscape and building refurbishment design work in tandem to create a social place for the whole scheme assisting communication and sharing of ideas within the park.