RSHP unveils Shanghai skyscraper inspired by historic laneways
The tripartite mixed-use tower reflects the city's urban fabric with its contextual design.
1A project blending historic fabric with modern architecture
British architecture studio RSHP has completed a 186-meter-tall mixed-use skyscraper in Shanghai, China. Located on Shimen First Road in Jing'an District, One Shanghai combines offices, retail, and public spaces. The 38-story building features a design inspired by the city's historic laneway network. The project sits adjacent to Zhang Garden, an area known for its century-old Shikumen-style villas that have been converted into a retail district.
2The rationale behind the tripartite design
RSHP determined the scale of the 89,000-square-meter development by drawing inspiration from Zhang Garden's preserved laneway network. The office tower consists of three distinct vertical volumes that extend northward. This design responds to the site's expanding geometry and the fine grain of the two-story buildings below. The lowest two floors feature an integrated shading system that references Zhang Garden's color palette and texture.
3Architectural details harmonizing with historic context
RSHP lifted the main tower volume above the lower two levels to create a setback from Zhang Garden's roofscape. This move aims to preserve neighborhood views at street level. The building's lower floors were designed as public spaces. Sky gardens on the 35th and 37th floors offer panoramic views of Shanghai's skyline and Zhang Garden's low-rise roofscape.
4User experience-focused interior spaces
Inside the tower, floor plates are organized around a central service core. This layout creates two corner positions for each tenant with abundant natural light and views through double-height glazing. The flexible subdivision accommodates various office needs while maintaining visual connections to the historic neighborhood through expansive windows.
5Transportation and circulation solutions
The building's connection to three metro lines and ground-floor retail spaces required careful circulation planning. RSHP designed an elevated office lobby above the retail level. This solution facilitates pedestrian access from all directions while creating an open-plan public space that links surrounding streets. A dedicated metro entrance directs visitors straight to the retail area above, and vehicle access was positioned on the southern edge to maintain an unobstructed north-facing facade.
6The architectural philosophy behind the award-winning design
RSHP director Richard Paul explained the design philosophy: 'Rather than treating transport infrastructure, heritage, public realm and workplace as separate programs, the design brings them together into a unified experience that feels like a natural extension of the city.' The project recently won 'Best Building' and 'Best Office Building' at the inaugural Council for Vertical Urbanism China Awards.
7The tower's role in Shanghai's urban transformation
One Shanghai serves as a bridge between preservation and progress in Shanghai's rapidly changing urban fabric. While Zhang Garden's century-old Shikumen-style villas have been converted into a retail district, the new skyscraper reinterprets this context through contemporary architectural language. The project successfully balances vertical urban growth with historic preservation in one of China's most dynamic cities.
8RSHP's other significant projects in China
Beyond One Shanghai, RSHP has delivered several notable projects across China. In Shenzhen, the studio designed a skyscraper with glazed office wings extending from a central concrete tower. In Zhengzhou, they realized a massive convention center connecting 16 exhibition halls with a mile-long elevated walkway. These projects demonstrate the studio's substantial contribution to China's urban development and architectural innovation.