The 114,000 square meters retail development, located in Suzhou’s historic center, SUONE Gemdale Plaza’s urban form references the ancient city’s classical gardens, ornate bridges and world-renowned waterways, to create a culturally enriching new retail-entertainment landmark. Suzhou is a city rich in history and traditional culture and arts attractions. The “Classical Gardens of Suzhou” were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The design philosophy centers on creating an engaging, poetic environment.
It leverages the history and garden elements to create a new lifestyle destination of unique shopping experience for the local citizens and tourists. Kun Opera originated in mid-14 century around Suzhou. It is one of the oldest operas in China, and it is also one of the treasures of Chinese traditional culture and art. The design of the inner garden created a performance stage of Kun Opera across two floors. The varied topography of the development blends both architecture and landscaping to offer visitors ever-changing scenery as they move through the plaza.
The structure itself is contained by a double skin façade which represents the garden wall, with 40% of the inner site opened up to provide a spectacular carved-out atrium bathed in natural sunlight. Bordering this space are dramatic setbacks and multiple height terraces and rooftop gardens, which mirror the scales, ratios and traditional rhythms of Suzhou’s historic architecture. Natural materials and foliage interact with water features to create a calming sanctuary. Meanwhile striking features such as a lantern tower and rooftop amphitheater create points of interest.