Situated 20 km south-west of Shanghai, China, Solar Trees Marketplace is an immersive retail environment, designed to evolve over a number of planned functions. The adaptable architecture of Solar Trees Marketplace allows for seamless transformation – from its current function as a residential display suite into a vibrant community market when the residents move in – ensuring the structure remains relevant in an ever-changing urban landscape. From the outside, this impressive three-story form represents an “architectural forest” of 32 “trees”. It is a fusion of nature, form, and functionality.
Solar Trees Marketplace is a prominent visual reminder of the forests that once covered Shanghai before urban sprawl cleared the natural landscape. The organic form is designed to in time be obscured by native camphor trees — transforming it into an oasis of calm amid the bustling urban landscape. By seamlessly blending natural elements with a palette inspired by nature, the structure embodies the concept of biophilic architecture, creating an environment that fosters a deep connection with nature.
Koichi Takada says, “Our goal was to reimagine urban spaces and create a living, breathing environment that inspires, nurtures, and adapts to the needs of the community, while embodying the principles of biophilic design and sustainable innovation.”
Solar Trees Marketplace is designed on one hand to express the beauty of nature and on the other hand replicate the positive wellbeing effects of being in nature. Thoughtful manipulation of light and shadow, creates balance between aesthetics and practicality. Ample shade invites visitors to seek respite from the sun, while apertures draw in natural light and facilitate natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling. This allows shoppers and retailers to enjoy the interplay of light and a gentle breeze whilst they go about their day. Seamless transition is key to the success of the design and showcases the potential of flexible, future-proof architecture. The impacts of manufacture and construction on our planet are well-documented, and adaptable architecture is one approach to reduce impact. The ingrained flexibility of Solar Trees Marketplace allows for simple transformation, to ensure it remains relevant in an ever-changing, unpredictable future.
