dongqi design wraps shanghai mixed-use complex in steel frames and shifting facades

dongqi Design Reworks Three Structures into mixed-use complex

dongqi Design has transformed three existing structures in downtown Shanghai’s Jing’an District into a mixed-use complex integrating retail, exhibition, food and beverage, and office programs. The project reconfigures a three-story brick–concrete building facing the street to the north, an 8-meter-high former factory building, and a single-story brick-concrete structure to the south into an interconnected yet functionally distinct ensemble.

The northern three-story building accommodates a leisure area on the ground floor, with office spaces on the second and third levels. A dark gray external sunshade curtain system has been added to the facade, with its tracks and electromechanical components enclosed in horizontal stainless steel tubes. These tubular elements unify the elevation and establish a consistent proportional order. The upper-floor window openings have been reconfigured with operable steel plates on the interior side and fixed glazing on the exterior, allowing the windows to function as display surfaces. Integrated lighting enhances their visibility. The varying positions of curtains and illuminated openings generate shifting facade compositions and alter the building’s presence along the street.

The ground-floor leisure space is organized around tall elm tables designed for standing use, encouraging circulation and informal interaction. Existing wall textures are retained, while a hot-rolled steel counter serves both interior and exterior areas. Large hopper windows along the street lift upward toward the ceiling, integrating the interior with the public realm when open. Their tracks are concealed within stainless steel wall and ceiling surfaces, reinforcing material continuity.

external tracks and electromechanical equipment are wrapped in steel tubes | all images courtesy of dongqi Design

Integrated Steel Systems Shape the Retail Hall by dongqi Design

The central factory building houses the primary retail and exhibition functions, along with an independent VIP room. Within the double-height volume, eleven cross-shaped display racks and a suspended overpass structure define the spatial organization. The overpass employs an ultra-thin, beamless steel system composed of a single 12-millimeter-thick stainless steel plate. It is suspended from the central columns of selected display racks using stainless steel stay cables. The cable connection fittings are folded extensions of the steel plate itself, forming an integrated structural assembly.

Each cross-shaped display rack consists of four metal frames arranged orthogonally around a central axis. Shelving elements are inserted within the frames, and in some cases, a secondary upper layer is supported by steel cables. The bases of the racks are aligned flush with the floor and connected to embedded structural beams. Together, the display racks, stay cables, and suspended overpass operate as a unified structural system. Stairs, platforms, racks, and connection fittings are designed to appear as if cut and folded from continuous steel plates, reinforcing a cohesive tectonic language.

The designers at dongqi Design select materials that emphasize exposed metal surfaces, including stainless steel plates, hot-dip galvanized finishes, and metal mesh. The partition between exhibition and bar areas is formed by a double-layer dark metal mesh that allows visual permeability while maintaining spatial separation. The mesh produces a moiré effect that changes with movement and light conditions. Doors are assembled from galvanized plates fastened with visible straight-head screws, with stainless steel inserts applied at high-contact areas for durability.

when the sunshade curtains are lowered, the building facade is enveloped in a dark veil

the design introduces Structural Rhythm and Material Contrast

Detailing reinforces structural clarity and user comfort. Wider vertical joints on the finished metal plates of the display racks establish a measured rhythm, while beveled undersides and recessed flanges of shelving components refine their profiles. Stainless steel strips are embedded along accessible mesh edges to prevent abrasion and accentuate linear continuity within the space. The overpass railing is formed from stainless steel round bars that interlock with the steel plate edges, while similar round elements are used in the suspension system and lighting supports. Linear lamp tubes are mounted to metal plates using stainless steel straps and arranged across racks and ceilings, contributing to the industrial spatial character.

The southern single-story building contains the food and beverage area. Auxiliary spaces are concealed behind metal sliding doors treated with oxidized metal powder patterns referencing traditional landscape imagery. The enclosed bar counter is constructed from hot-rolled steel plates, and seating booths are upholstered in orange fabric, introducing contrast within the predominantly metallic interior.

the oversized hopper windows along the street can be lifted upwards to be nearly flush with the ceiling

the enclosed bar counter is made of hot-rolled steel plates, while the booths are upholstered in bright orange

the overpass adopts an ultra-thin beamless steel structure system, which is the result of precise calculation

the overpass is made of one piece of solid stainless steel plate, which is suspended from display racks’ columns

the stairs, the overpass, the display racks and the steel cable connection fittings are seamlessly integrated

the lamp tubes, with round elements as well, are fixed to metal plates with stainless steel straps

straight-head screws assemble metal plates, installed at the front of the overpass steps for anti-slip purposes

the cable connection fittings on the edges of the overpass are an integral part of the overpass steel plates

metals define the material language, with stainless steel plates, hot-dip galvanized finishes, and metal mesh

racks of different heights spread out on both sides, while diagonal lamps flare like mechanical wings

project info:

name: Architectural Renovation Project in Jing’an District, Shanghai
architect: dongqi Design | @dongqi_design
location: Jing’an District, Shanghai, China

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom