Gensler's design approach is a perfect blend of function and aesthetics
We believe that design should be about more than just how something looks. It should also be about how it functions.
The Lumina Collection in Shanghai presents a unique opportunity for professionals to experience a new way of working with its Lumina 2 development. This prime office space offers ample access to outdoor areas, making it an ideal location for those looking for a balanced lifestyle. The development, located in Shanghai's West Bund, is a new kind of lifestyle hub that combines work, life, and leisure, with the Star Canopy as its centrepiece.
This project is Henderson Land Group's first prestigious commercial property in China under the 'Lumina Collection brand. It includes two phases, a 280m landmark tower with prime office spaces and a retail podium, as well as a low-rise cluster of buildings with office buildings, retail pavilions, and public facilities. The Lumina Collection is a mixed-use development that aims to redefine the traditional work/life balance by offering a synergy of experiences that lead to valuable connections and unlimited opportunities.
Located along the Huangpu River, the Xuhui Riverside District is one of Shanghai's core areas currently undergoing development. This area, along with the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center site, and Qiantan Avenue, will soon see major enhancements, making it an even more desirable location for professionals and businesses.
The Lumina Shanghai Collection's second phase, Lumina 2, is a mixed-use development located west of Shanghai West Bund Media Port. The complex includes four office buildings, five retail pavilions, and a central square, providing a diverse experience for tenants and visitors. The site's location, surrounded by residential areas and a thriving media and art cluster, inspired Gensler's team to design a "linking community" where people from the surrounding neighbourhood and city can come together and enjoy a creative lifestyle. Office building owners and operators now prioritize being part of vibrant communities, and mixed-use developments like Lumina 2 provide the energy and variety that enriches lives and connects people. In designing Lumina 2, the designers focused on creating common spaces for socialization, connecting to high-performance outdoor areas, integrating the ground floor into the community, and becoming anchors of the 20-minute city.
The biophilic design approach places a high emphasis on both health and sustainability. According to a decade-long study by Gensler, incorporating biophilic design and easy access to outdoor spaces is crucial for designing office buildings. To achieve this, Gensler's team included balconies and terraces within the building's structure to foster communication and promote well-being. These features also allow for more natural light and fresh air to enter the building, improving its overall atmosphere. In addition, the incorporation of voids within the building's facade adds visual interest and texture. The two high-rise office towers also feature setbacks that provide public spaces at the lower levels and ground-level doors that can be opened to allow for easy access to the outdoors during favourable weather conditions.
The "Star Stage" offers a seamless transition between work and leisure, featuring a star-shaped canopy spanning over 1,075 square meters of outdoor space. The design of the canopy is inspired by the project's name and layout, with buildings and pavilions arranged along diagonal lines in accordance with the five points of a star, allowing for easy access from all directions. This central area is not just for tourists but serves as the hub of the entire complex. The aluminium roof is outfitted with programmable lighting, speakers, and sprinklers to accommodate a range of events, such as stage performances, art exhibitions, and seasonal markets.
Gensler has proposed a design approach that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics to create a unique urban image. The design incorporates low-rise retail pavilions with irregular polygonal shapes and office towers with rectangular shapes. The façades of both building types feature vertical louvres, creating a cohesive aesthetic harmony. To further enhance the overall image, the retail pavilions incorporate three distinct types of perforated panels, including orchid, cherry, and bamboo.
The Lumina 2 development is a revolutionary lifestyle hub that redefines the concept of work-life balance. Moving away from the traditional high-rise office building, the low-rise office and lifestyle community provides a vibrant, open, and dynamic environment for the Lumina Collection. As a crucial urban connector, it bridges the waterfront central activity zone with neighbouring residential areas. Together with the Phase 1 development of Lumina Shanghai, this project creates a unique platform that promotes creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Conveniently located in the bustling Xuhui Riverside District, Lumina Shanghai is the first in the Lumina Collection of Henderson Land Group's prestigious commercial properties. The project is divided into two phases and is expected to cover an area of approximately 400,000m2. The expected height of the Phase 1 tower is 280m, making it a landmark that will stand the test of time.
