COFCO Joy City Phase 2: Where Heritage Meets Innovation

Project: Shanghai Joy City Phase 2
Location: Shanghai, China
Client: Shanghai Xinlan Real Estate Development Ltd.
Design and Project Architect: Aedas
Gross Floor Area: 187,216 sq m
Year of Completion: 2023
Design Director: Dr. Andy Wen, Global Design Principal
Photography: Arch-Exist Photography

Led by Aedas Global Design Principal Dr. Andy Wen, Shanghai COFCO Joy City Phase 2 integrates a 200m office tower with 7 low-rise buildings, forming a dynamic architectural landmark that revitalises the district’s urban texture. Repurposed from its original retail function, the low-rise buildings now serve as the strategic headquarters of a leading enterprise, reflecting the flexibility and enduring value of the development.

The Phase 2 development is situated west of the Phase 1, which features a rooftop Ferris wheel and residential towers. The surrounding context features a blend of traditional garden villas alongside heritage buildings preserved within the site. The design honors the cultural legacy while shaping a future landmark that complements the evolving skyline.

‘Architecture is a medium for dialogue between the city and its people.’ Andy shares. ‘The design responds to the local history to shape a vibrant development along Suzhou Creek.’

The tower’s massing is elegantly tapered at both top and bottom, shaping a refined architectural silhouette. Drawing inspiration from Suzhou Creek, the façade design abstracts the fluidity of water through wave-like aluminum louvers. These elements create a dynamic visual rhythm across the deep grey Low-E double-glazed curtain wall, forming a layered, flowing pattern that shifts with light. Beyond aesthetics, the louvers provide solar shading and reduce energy consumption. The ground-floor lobby features a double-height design, with full-height glazing that invites natural light into the space, delivering a grand and sophisticated arrival experience.

Seven low-rise buildings are arranged around the office tower on the west, establishing a dynamic east-west commercial axis that efficiently channels circulation and preserves the historical architecture within the development. A sunken plaza anchors the heart of the development, seamlessly connecting to a grand staircase that descends toward the basement level. The dual-ground-floor ensures smooth circulation and enhances spatial connectivity. Each building is articulated with layered terraces, enriching the architectural form while introducing generous public zones for interaction.

The low-rise buildings draw inspiration from the surrounding garden villas, adopting varied rooflines, multi-levelled terraces paired with aluminum grille windows reflect the architectural richness of traditional Shanghai streetscapes. Same architectural language is employed to establish a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding urban context.

‘This is a place where history meets the future. The design does not only create a landmark, but shapes a vibrant urban living room that inspires energy and preserves memory,’ Andy shares.