SPARK integrates fuzhou wusibei thaihot plaza in china

SPARK integrates fuzhou wusibei thaihot plaza in china
photo by shu he
all images courtesy of SPARK architects

in fuzhou, a large city located in south-eastern china, international practice SPARK architects was commissioned by developers thaihot group to construct the city’s most popular retail mall. entitled ‘fuzhou wusibei thaihot plaza’ the 7-storey design combines the shopping center’s interior with an adjacent plaza and the passing street, integrating the scheme within the region’s urban fabric and providing the district with a twenty-four hour entertainment hub.

the building’s engaging series of façades causes its appearance to constantly shift for passersby
photo by shu he

geometrically clad with aluminum panels, the building’s constantly shifting appearance provides an engaging series of façades for passersby. selected plates also serve important visual functions such as illuminated signage boxes, advertisements, and three large LED screens. at night, the perforated design allows light to penetrate from the inside, subtly illuminating the structure.

the 7-storey design combines the shopping center’s interior with the adjacent plaza
photo by shu he

two distinct circulation paths ensure that the mall can function at all times of the day, with a 12-hour route incorporating retail programs that operate during the day and a 24-hour path that provides access to the rooftop, which features a variety of activities such as miniature golf and a full dining service. consequently, once trading hours are over customers are then provided with an alternate route lined with shops and terraces.

a white atrium is accentuated by selected areas of color incorporated throughout the design
photo by shu he

internal spaces are vibrant and brightly lit, greeting guests as they enter the building. a pristine white atrium is accentuated by selected areas of color on the mall’s escalators, which are placed in the middle of the volume. linear LED light chandeliers hang above the events plaza, while back lit floor peepholes positioned across the atrium bridges appear as a playful addition to the space.

‘the project is an important step for spark to bring our 24 hour vertical street concept to reality. the opening day has shown that it will make a big impact to this street culture city’, commented says jan clostermann, director of SPARK.

internal spaces are vibrant and brightly lit greeting guests as they enter the building
photo by shu he

linear LED light chandeliers hang above the events plaza
photos by shu he

the scheme provides the district with twenty-four hour entertainment hub
photos by shu he

LED screens and perforated panels gently illuminate the building at night
photo by shu he

project info:

architecture and interior design: SPARK architects
project director: jan felix clostermann
team: mingyin tan, christian taeubert, jian yun wu, ben de lange, emer loraine, wang haiyan leo micolta, cary cheng
client: thaihot group
total gfa: 300,000 sqm
above ground: 212,600 sqm
basement: 87.400sqm)
commercial: 100,890sqm
soho: 199,110sqm
photography: shu he