Parc Central retail ‘stadium’ opens doors
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Urban park retail development Parc Central, Guangzhou is now fully open in the heart of the CBD.
Commissioned as masterplanner, architect and interior designer, Benoy has delivered the Pearl River Delta city project in collaboration with Ronald Lu & Partners. Described as a “stadium for retail”, it blends low-rise and below-ground retail spaces within a multi-level parkland along a major thoroughfare.
On the site of a former square, Parc Central was developed to contribute socially and spatially to the city, as well as economically. It is a focal point along the city’s “green axis’”, a 110,000 sqm retail development designed around an open parkland environment. Its gardens, planted walkways and living walls create an undulating green space.
Parc Central is only 24m high, lower than surrounding buildings, with two levels above ground and three levels below ground. Drawing on the symbol for peace, harmony and fortune in the Chinese culture, the architecture references the “double fish” in the form of a steel monocoque roof structure. The two buildings curve around the central gardens and are joined by a pedestrian bridge. The roof canopies are supported by tree-like columns beneath which gardens extend the landscape element up the building.
Sustainable design
Sustainably designed, Parc Central has a rainwater collection system, low-E (low thermal emissivity) glass facades and a corrosive-resistant plastic EFTE roof.
Inside, the Benoy team has introduced flowing ceiling cove forms and uninterrupted joinery with atriums to punctuate the retail journey and draw light into the arcades. A neutral colour palette of white and reconstituted stone creates a natural background for the mall, showcasing tenants and their merchandise.
Part of the scheme is a new public transport interchange for Guangzhou, connecting the metro system with a bus network. Overhead footbridges connect to neighbouring developments.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the overall design concept for the Parc Central retail development?
What is the overall design concept for the Parc Central retail development?
Parc Central is designed as a “stadium for retail” blending low-rise and underground spaces within a multi-level parkland. Its architecture references the “double fish” symbol with two buildings curving around central gardens, joined by a pedestrian bridge.
Q.Which companies were involved in the design and planning of Parc Central?
Which companies were involved in the design and planning of Parc Central?
Benoy was commissioned as the masterplanner, architect, and interior designer for the project. They delivered the development in collaboration with Ronald Lu & Partners, working on the Pearl River Delta city project.
Q.What sustainable design features have been incorporated into Parc Central?
What sustainable design features have been incorporated into Parc Central?
The development includes a rainwater collection system, low-E glass facades, and a corrosive-resistant plastic EFTE roof. These elements contribute to its sustainable design, aiming to reduce environmental impact.
Q.How does Parc Central integrate with Guangzhou's existing transport infrastructure?
How does Parc Central integrate with Guangzhou's existing transport infrastructure?
The scheme includes a new public transport interchange for Guangzhou, connecting the city's metro system with its bus network. Overhead footbridges also provide connections to neighbouring developments, enhancing accessibility.