The Grace Of Koi

Inspired by the sweeping movements of ornamental fish in an adjacent lake, the Changshu Jinmao sales centre by aedas sets the stage for a new mixed-use development in China’s Jiangsu province.

- Michele Koh Morollo

In December last year, Aedas completed the Changshu Jinmao Sales Centre, the first building of the new Jinmao Smart Science City, in the city of Changshu in China’s Jiangsu province.

Owned by Chinese real estate developer China Jinmao, the Science City is nestled in the core of the Hudong Science and Technology Business District in the city’s southern new town.

The first phase of the Jinmao Smart Science City was conceived as an “urban parlour” that will support the project’s second phase, which will include a high-rise office building, themed commercial centre and commercial street.

This parlour occupies a 672m2 street corner site and includes a 193m2 Sales Centre positioned within the parcel in a way that the building retreats to pave way for a public plaza.

This Centre accommodates sales-related activities, and houses conference and banquet facilities, as well as property management offices.

“The project – which includes the Sales Centre and the public square – is in northeast corner of the development site, close to two main roads, and has an excellent urban display surface,” says Aedas Executive Director Lin Zi Huan, who oversaw the project.

“We hope to merge science and technology with the local landscape of Changshu, and to create an artistic and beautifully-rendered urban landmark that interacts with the public.”

NOD TO PROSPERITY

Inspired by the many koi that inhabit Kuncheng Lake – a fresh water lake that sits adjacent to the Centre – the building has a curvaceous architectural silhouette that simulates the movements of the fish.