JINCHENG PLAZA
A landscaped mobility hub
- Client: Chengdu Communications Investment Group Co Ltd (CCIC)
- Project management: AREP - Partner: Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute (SADI ); China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd (T2 yuan)
- Total area: 225 000 m²
- Building area: 225 000 m²
- Building area underground: 215 000 m²
- Delivery: 2020
AREP won the competition to create a mobility hub within the ecological zone of Chengdu, the ancient imperial city in eastern China, home to 10 million people. The project aims to reconnect urban living with nature.
Combining urban living space and cultural opportunities
In order to meet the requirements of the local authorities and the metro operator, the station lies beneath a vast garden whose large-volume spaces are able to accommodate four metro lines as well as commercial and cultural activities, such as a 50 000 m² ((usable floor area) multimedia resource centre and retail outlets extending over 15 000 m². Pedestrian areas, car parks and technical premises occupy 200 000 m² (covered surface).
Integrating the project into the surroundings
Located 12 km from Chengdu's city centre and within the green belt, the hub "turns its back" on the New Century Global Center, a 1 700 000 m² complex. AREP integrates the facility into the site by opening up the building onto the landscape and the lake to the east, a decision that played a key role in the selection of the project.
The large underground infrastructure playfully combines vegetation, lightness and natural light. The metro platforms are located 20 metres below ground level, but the transfer areas, services, commercial, and cultural amenities are located 13 metres below ground level. This area expands towards the city via a sloping garden that offers sweeping views of the landscape.
With its arches spanning more than 77 metres, Jincheng Plaza will feature China's largest timber span structure
In order to meet the requirements of the local authorities and the metro operator, the station lies beneath a vast garden whose large-volume spaces are able to accommodate four metro lines as well as commercial and cultural activities, such as a 50 000 m² ((usable floor area) multimedia resource centre and retail outlets extending over 15 000 m². Pedestrian areas, car parks and technical premises occupy 200 000 m² (covered surface).
Integrating the project into the surroundings
Located 12 km from Chengdu's city centre and within the green belt, the hub "turns its back" on the New Century Global Center, a 1 700 000 m² complex. AREP integrates the facility into the site by opening up the building onto the landscape and the lake to the east, a decision that played a key role in the selection of the project.
The large underground infrastructure playfully combines vegetation, lightness and natural light. The metro platforms are located 20 metres below ground level, but the transfer areas, services, commercial, and cultural amenities are located 13 metres below ground level. This area expands towards the city via a sloping garden that offers sweeping views of the landscape.
With its arches spanning more than 77 metres, Jincheng Plaza will feature China's largest timber span structure
An innovative timber structure
On the east bank, three undulating structures rising eight metres above ground level mark the entries to the station, retail outlets and multimedia resource centre. They structure the entire space, allowing for daylight to pour into the area while enhancing functional legibility. Both the client and the local authorities supported the use of timber for the structure. The bracing and the crossed arches are made of glue-laminated pine timber, which ensures the stability and lightness of the smoothly undulating but large-span forms. With its three arches spanning respectively 77, 86 and 95 metres, Jincheng Plaza will feature China's largest timber span structure. Wood is a sustainable and natural material that is present throughout the traditional Chinese architecture and contributes to creating a welcoming and stress-free environment.