The GATE M West Bund Dream Centre project, a cultural and leisure complex built on the site of a former cement factory, has been completed in Shanghai’s West Bund district. The project, developed by the MVRDV office, is the next stage in the transformation of the Huangpu River waterfront. The completed project consists of buildings from different periods and creates a coherent public space. In doing so, some of the existing facilities of the former plant have been preserved, thus reducing CO₂ emissions. The new identity of the site is marked by intense orange elements. GATE M has quickly become popular with locals and visitors and has won several industry awards.
GATE M West Bund Dream Centre – from industry to culture
The site of today’s Dream Center was once home to the Shanghai Cement Works, considered to be the largest of its kind in Asia. The impetus for the transformation began with the Expo 2010 exhibition, which made it possible to open up the waterfront to the public. Prior to the start of the development, there were both industrial facilities and unfinished structures left over from unrealized development. The master plan for the entire area was prepared by MVRDV. The studio is also responsible for the design of the southern part of the complex, including the central M Factory building. In the northern part, the commercial buildings were designed by Atelier Deshaus. The West Bund Dome Art Centre, meanwhile, was created by Schmidt Hammer Lassen, and the new Shanghai West Bund Theatre was built in the north of the area.
Heritage conservation and new functions
One of the project’s objectives was to preserve and adapt the existing volumes. This approach reduced the scale of demolition and reduced waste. “It was clear to us from the beginning that these buildings have a lot of value – we didn’t want to demolish them just because it would be easier,” – says Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV. The newer structures act as a backdrop, while the monumental post-industrial buildings set the main accents of the premise. The preserved silos and production halls have been enhanced with new functions and orange staircases and lifts. The M Factory has a BLOOMARKET on the ground floor, which is a combination of a food market and a catering area. On the first floor there is a multifunctional space without columns, intended for cultural events. A staircase made from a former conveyor belt leads to it. The silo has been transformed into a climbing centre. Outdoor routes lead to a balcony and viewing platforms.
GATE M West Bund Dream Centre as the new life of a cement factory
In the immediate vicinity of the industrial facilities, a previously unfinished development was realised, adapting it for shops, restaurants and hotels. The landscape design was prepared by Field Operations studio. Greenery on the rooftops and public terraces create a welcoming space conducive to recreation. The site’s waterside location further enhances the attractiveness of this part of the city. GATE M Dream Center is the first site in this part of Shanghai to offer such a diverse programme and extensive public space. The distinctive form of the M Factory is also used as a vehicle for events. The complex has been awarded the China Urban Renewal Annual Award, the Shanghai Excellent Urban Regeneration Projects Awards and the IDEAT China Future Awards.
Global regeneration trend
The GATE M project is part of a broader trend of transformation that is affecting former industrial sites in many cities around the world. These transformations are aimed at integrating such areas into the urban fabric and giving them new functions, adapted to the contemporary needs of the inhabitants. The MVRDV studio is also carrying out similar projects outside Shanghai.
Architect: MVRDV
Location: Shanghai, China
Years of completion: 2021-2025
Area and functions: 45,000 sq m. – retail, culture, hospitality
Photography: Xia Zhi, Liu Guowei, Tian Fangfang, Sanqian Visual Image Art
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