A futuristic ark that ‘floats’ above a factory in China

Chinese studio MAD Architects has designed a metallic ‘ark’ on the roof of a former cement factory in Shanghai. The edgy metallic structure is the culmination of the factory’s ongoing revitalisation from 2021. The project will include the construction of new boulevards next to the river and a public open space. The futuristic ‘ark’ looks as if it is floating above the old factory.

Built in 1971, the Zhangjiang cement factory and Wanmicang warehouse have been silent witnesses to a rapidly changing China for decades. Shanghai went from being a city of shipbuilders and workers to a city of global finance. Zhangjiang was the third largest cement factory in the city. At one time, ships would come up to the warehouse every now and then with raw materials for processing. However, since 2013, no ships have approached the building anymore. The factory and its warehouse were closed and the buildings gradually began to fall into disrepair.

In 2021, architects from MAD were commissioned to create a building that would help preserve the heritage of the city’s industrial past. The Wanmicang cement warehouse was the ideal site for the aforementioned project. The structure, although neglected, was solid and the nearby river made the building even more attractive. In the former warehouse, MAD is to build a research centre as well as sports, retail and cultural centres. All this in a refreshed, post-industrial interior with the addition of futuristic elements such as the ‘ark’.

During construction, old equipment in storage was secured. The huge silos for the materials needed for cement production were renovated. In addition, the old walls and columns were reinforced and some were removed.

The smooth, metallic ‘ark’ is intended as a contrast to the rough concrete walls of the warehouse. The modern building will have viewing terraces on the roof, accessible to everyone 24 hours a day. A large metal staircase leads to the roof. The ground floor has been designed in a stepped form – from the front entrance of the building it gradually rises upwards. This section will house most services such as cafés, bookshops and others. The floor area will be decorated with plants.

The building gives the impression of being open due to the glass walls located at several entrances. Entering from the front, a large sheet of glass separates the old part of the building from the rest. On the river side, on the other hand, the glass entrances are smaller and provide access to the elegant promenade.

The project is only 24 m high, which, despite appearances, does not detract from its monumentality. The building is long, and individual elements such as the staircase or the ‘ark’ visible from below are a constant reminder of the size of the project. These revitalised 15,312 square metres of public space are intended to serve and remind everyone of Shanghai’s transient industrial history. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Photo source: MAD Architects

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