In a collaboration with CR Land, Heatherwick Studio is envisioning a transformative shopping district in Xi’an, China that celebrates the city’s rich history, while addressing the emotional and aesthetic void that has come with the age of online shopping. The project, currently under construction, is set to open its doors this year.
Spanning more than 28 acres, the development integrates offices, apartments, a hotel, and green spaces, including a rooftop garden, sunken terrace, and communal gardens.
Breaking away from typical monolithic commercial structures, the design draws inspiration from traditional nesting tables, forming smaller interlocking buildings. These structures create a dynamic frame with open terraces and gathering spaces, adorned with local plant species that intertwine with the architecture.
The district offers a distinctive skyline inspired by Xi’an’s Chinese temples, while varying levels and landscape terraces provide varying vantage points at a street distance. At the ground level, the design offers a sensory experience through a thoughtful use of materials and nature.
The development pays homage to Xi’an’s craftsmanship and ceramic heritage—notably the iconic Terracotta Army—with buildings clad in original ceramic patterns crafted in collaboration with local artisans.
“This new district in Xi’an explores how we can create variety and a sense of discovery and delight within a new-large scale urban development,” says Mat Cash, group leader and partner at Heatherwick Studio. “Using natural materials, stepped terraces, and an enveloping landscape, we can create a city within a city—merging retail, residential, office, cultural, and leisure uses into one distinct place.”
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