This is how the new 1000 Trees mall looks in Shanghai

A total of 12 flagship department stores, 90 stores, and more than 60 catering facilities will be located at the complex.

A new mall has opened in Shanghai with an unusual architectural style. The 1000 Trees project was created by British architectural firm Heatherwick Studio and featured a multilevel facade of white concrete decorated with many living trees and shrubs.

Thomas Heatherwick, a British designer, came up with the idea to cover the shopping complex surface with 1,000 trees and 250,000 different plants, writes Dezeen.

Tian An has developed the Wonder Mall next to the M50 Art District. Nine levels of greenery cover the building, forming a mountain range. The complex’s official opening took place at the end of December 2021. 

A grid of concrete columns forms the structure of the shopping complex at a 45-degree angle to the river. Each column is topped with a particular block that contains a collection of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and hanging plants.

The project idea was inspired by transforming urban neighborhoods into social spaces. The façade breaks up the monolithic scale of a typical shopping mall into multiple human rooms. It will be a significant change for the people living and working in this dense residential area, said 1000 Trees author. 

The new shopping and entertainment center covers about 62,700 square meters. Over 60 catering establishments will be among the tenants, including 12 flagship department stores. The food court and supermarket are located in the basement, the stores are located on the five floors above, and the restaurants are located on the rooftop. The perimeter of the building is decorated with works by French street artist Paul Desio. There are also street artworks adorning the shaft of the bodice, as well as the walls of the building. 

Experts note that due to the landscaping, the multilevel façade of the new shopping and entertainment center blends seamlessly into the residential neighborhood and becomes a new attraction for residents, adding a new dimension to the urban landscape of Shanghai.