Set in the heart of the Guangzhou’s new Central Business District, Parc Central is developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties. The project has introduced a new typology to the burgeoning Pearl River Delta city; a ‘stadium for retail’ which uniquely blends the low-rise above and below-ground retail development within a multi-level parkland. Positioned along one of the city’s major thoroughfares, this development is a compelling addition to the cityscape of Guangzhou, and combines retail, transit-oriented and public realm design strategies.
     Benoy was commissioned as the masterplanner, architect and interior designer on the scheme and delivered the project in collaboration with Ronald Lu and Partners.
     Developed on the site of a former square, the vision for Parc Central was to contribute socially and spatially to the city, as well as economically. Located along the city’s ‘Green Axis’, the vision for Parc Central was to form the focal point of this initiative and create a new ‘Central Park’ along the major Tianhe Road thoroughfare which dissects the city.
     The result is a distinctive 110,000 sq m (GFA) retail development which is designed around an open parkland environment. Forming the heart of the development, the landscape, with its varying levels and forms of greenery, has created a place to socialise, rest and relax; a ‘Place to breathe’ within the city centre. Much of the development has been placed underground to achieve this and preserve the ground level environment.
     The gardens, planted walkways and living walls create an undulating green space which integrates not only with the development itself but the surrounding streetscape. Ultimately, the design offers a soothing and re-balanced environment to the Tianhe district.
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(Photos: Benoy)