Location: Mainland China
Year: 2018
Minsheng Wharf Waterfront is an urban oasis located along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. This revitalised waterfront area boasts a harmonious blend of modern architecture and historical elements, offering visitors a unique sensory experience.
The Minsheng Wharf Waterfront, which links Yangpu Bridge and Lujiazui, employs a multi-tiered design approach. The lowest level provides a pedestrian-friendly walkway, while the middle elevation above the flood barrier features a jogging path. An elevated bike trail on the highline completes this ‘three-layered connection’. This approach establishes diverse routes for movement and enhances recreational experiences with a variety of pause-and-explore spaces. By leveraging the height differences, the separation of cycling, jogging, and walking paths helps reduce the risk of clashes among different users.
Constructed in 1908, Minsheng Wharf was once among Asia’s largest wharves and granaries. Since it was designated as a protected cultural relic in 2014, the wharf has been repurposed and incorporated into the waterfront development, now serving as the primary exhibition hall.
The original bollards of Minsheng Wharf remain in their initial locations along the riverbank. Complemented by the terrazzo wall, the promenade establishes a distinct and historically rich cultural centre that draws in diverse visitors.
The modular metal tree planters are thoughtfully designed to embody the silhouette of silos, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
The flood-control wall that was already in place between the street and the waterfront unavoidably formed a barrier that divided urban areas. To address this issue, the design takes a sectional approach, thoroughly examining the terrain and infrastructure and reshaping the site using various methods, such as green inclines, pathways, stairs, and plazas. By integrating old and new elements, we achieve a seamless flow of spaces, landscapes, and circulation, significantly enhancing the user experience of entering the waterfront area.
Image Attribution: ©Atelier Liu Yuyang Architects ©Photographer: Tian Fangfang