Retail Generator

The multifaceted project takes advantage of its central location along the Haihe River and at the confluence of major subway lines to anchor a new pedestrian experience for the area. The scope of the project includes architecture, interior design and branding to develop a unified proposal around the concept of “transformation.” This approach refers both to the factory’s historic standing — as the first plant in the city to generate electricity—and to remaking it as a modern commercial complex that integrates retail, lifestyle, ecology, culture and education.

After completing several field surveys,
interviews with local residents, and research, the team conceived a plan to preserve and refine the original building within the expansion. In addition to the architecture and interiors, the design activates a large outdoor plaza along the river to create a public gathering space. The chimney of the old power plant stands as a sculpture in the plaza’s landmark corner.