New Shanghai Office Tower Completed by Foster + Partners in Suhewan

Foster + Partners has finished constructing the first office tower in the Suhewan area of Shanghai, which has undergone regeneration. The She Centre for China Resources Land serves as the focal point of the Suhewan East Urban Complex, bringing a diverse range of functions to the mostly residential area. The 42-storey, 200-metre signature tower is part of the city's plan to attract development to the eastern district.

The Suhe Centre has achieved LEED Platinum certification and has been awarded a Green Building 2 Star rating, thanks to its comprehensive sustainability strategy. This strategy includes recycling rainwater for irrigation, utilizing intelligent systems to enhance the indoor environment and air quality, providing bicycle parking and charging spaces, and more.

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “The Suhe Centre plays a central role in activating Suhewan and creating a vibrant new piece of the city. The tower has been designed to enhance well-being, with plenty of natural light and open, column-free workspaces. It offers great views of the Jing An district, the Historical Bund, Pudong Lujiazui and the Huangpu and Suhe rivers. Its flexible floorplates allow for a range of different layouts to support contemporary ways of working.”

The tower is located next to a new public green space and the Shanghai Suhe Centre MixC, and has easy access to the Line 10 Tiantong Road metro station, making it a prime location for attracting people and businesses to the area. The design of the tower is inspired by the industrial aesthetic of the historical Zhejiang Road Bridge and nearby warehouse buildings, featuring dark glazing to reduce glare and a stainless-steel structural frame that is pulled away from the corners to enhance views.

Inside the tower, undulating wall panels in the lobby create a grand sense of arrival and visually elongate the 11-meter-tall space. Daylight filters through louvres above the entrance canopy, casting dancing shadows across the walls and floor. Additionally, a unique reception desk features an imprint of a historic map of the Suhe River to commemorate the history of the site.

As one ascends the tower, the views become increasingly breathtaking. The lower levels offer a glimpse of the park to the west, while the upper floors provide stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city. The tower's architecture is designed to maximize these views, with full-height glass spaces on every corner.

The office spaces within the tower are also designed to take advantage of the views. The column-free, flexible floorplates can accommodate a variety of layouts, from single to multiple tenancies. The detachable floor slabs allow for connections between levels, and the western facade features a recessed middle section to let in natural light. To further enhance the views, scenic lifts are located within this recess, providing a clear view of the park and river.

Emily Phang, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, added: “It has been a great privilege to design the first office tower in Suhewan. We have worked closely with China Resources Land to create a landmark building that offers truly modern workspaces which prioritise city and park views, comfort and flexibility. The Suhe Centre is an exciting new addition to the city and an integral part of their vision to bring new business to the eastern quarter.”