The Ningbo ‘If mall’, developed by Hong Kong China Travel Service (HKCTS), is a future community-focused retail and commercial destination. Designed by Benoy, the scheme has been recently unveiled to the public.
     The development is situated in the Jiangbei district of Ningbo on a plot bordered by the well-known Changxing Road, Hongtu Road and West North Ring Road. Positioned as a premium community retail and business centre, Ningbo If mall will be a showcase space for international and local brands as well as offer commercial and leisure environments. Benoy’s design is comprised of three major blocks covering an approximate GFA of 46,000 sq m. 
     The planning regulations required strong interfacing with the surrounding urban areas. Benoy’s approach therefore resulted in an L-shaped layout with a continuous green, urban space woven throughout. 
     “We were excited by the landscaping opportunities offered by the client and this site. Our design introduces an urban public park between the west side of the development and the major municipal road, as well as smaller landscaped pockets throughout the scheme to create a greener environment for the people visiting as well as working and living within the wider development,” said Qin Pang, Director at Benoy.
     The masterplan has ensured the retail frontage gains exposure along the welldeveloped Hongtu and Changxing Roads while the commercial business zone interfaces with the green, urban park on the west side of the plot. To ensure continuity throughout the design, the façades of the buildings display a unique linear form which reference Ningbo’s identity as a coastal city.
     For full story and plenty of illustrations, please refer to the coming issue of Building Journal. Subscribe Building Journal e-version <click here>