As the retail component of mixed-use development Huazhi Plaza in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, China, The ONE held its grand opening ceremony today (26 September 2015). Aedas’ Global Board Director Andy Wen, Executive Director cum Project Designer Ed Lam, Managing Director – China William Wong and Deputy Managing Director – China Yin Sheng Liu attended the event. Andy Wen also joined client representatives and other guests-of-honour in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Situated in the heart of Chengdu along the main artery of Taisheng South Road and Tidu Street, The ONE is within steps to renowned restaurants, premier shopping districts, Tianfu Square and Chunxi Road. Once the address of the old cultural district, it creates a modern cultural and 24-hour lifestyle hub that respects its past context while capturing the identity and status of Chengdu as a fluid and ever evolving metropolis.
All buildings within the Huazhi Plaza reveal elements of the natural landscape of Sichuan. The ONE’s architectural form, space and materials drew inspirations from the natural terraced landscapes and pools of Jiuzaigou. The earth-tone granites with random patterns and texture translate the rocky element of the natural terrain into the façade design. The architecture incorporates a series of staggering terraces at varying heights to the interior space, creating a fluid form and architectural space in alignment with the overall design of the development.
Along the main street of Taisheng South Road, an array of duplex shops with 12-metre high clear glass shopfronts is designed for flagship stores. Above them is the PALACE Cinema, which is accessible from the outdoor terraces and indoor shopping mall. The six-storey shopping centre offers 72,000 square metres of interior retail space and the 6.45-metre floor-to-floor height allows maximum flexibility for different arrangement of trade-mix. There is a green spine with outdoor escalators and staircases to link up the landscaped terraces on different levels and connect the northern and southern entrance plazas, drawing people from the ground level to the central piazza on the fourth floor. Underneath this gathering place is a central grand atrium with a sculptural skylight and elevators protruding over the piazza. The green spine also blurs the boundaries between indoor shopping mall and outdoor retail streets. Such spatial design reflects the city’s indigenous, outdoor, leisurely lifestyle – providing outdoor terraces for al-fresco dining and pubs and creating an urban park for the community. The architecture of The ONE is a melodious combination of aesthetics and practicality, it creates an unique shopping experience to the customers that is rooted in the culture of Chengdu and the landscape of Sichuan.
“The ONE is another proof of Aedas’ respect to and understanding of the local culture and context.” said Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas. “We are committed to create world-class design solutions that are tailored to the needs of communities around the world. In every commission we first seek to understand the society and culture of the communities we design for.”
Huazhi Plaza is Chengdu’s latest mixed-use development comprising retail, office, residential and hotel spaces. The St Regis Chengdu was opened last year and the Office Tower was completed earlier this year. The two towers form a gateway to the development and drive people flow to The ONE. The design was inspired by the natural terraced pools in Sichuan’s Huanglong, giving a distinct regional character to the project.
