'Garden-within-a-Garden' residential project in Shanghai
A layered landscape experience with water features and translucent pavilions
1Concept and Design
The Yanlord Arcadia project, designed by TROP: terrains + open space, follows a 'Garden-within-a-Garden' philosophy. This residential development in Shanghai offers a layered landscape experience through water elements, translucent pavilions, and green spaces. The central courtyard is divided into four distinct garden zones, creating both social and private areas.
2First Garden: 'Veiled in Glimmers'
The project's first garden is organized around an open pavilion enclosed by translucent white frosted glass. Reflection pools extend along circulation paths while layered planting creates visual connections between the landscape and residential buildings. Strategic placement of water features and architectural elements balances privacy and openness.
3Second Garden: 'Lanterns in Sequence'
Located at the heart of the development, this space draws inspiration from traditional lantern geometry. An elevated pavilion is supported by structural walls defining four independent seating alcoves below. Each seating area is surrounded by water and oriented toward different landscape views - gardens, water features, or the sky - offering varied spatial experiences.
4Third Garden: 'Half Water, Half Forest'
This zone combines recreational facilities with landscape design. Timber decks extend over water while planting creates a forest-like setting. A 40-meter lap pool and children's pool are connected by continuous water edges. Changing rooms are divided into four separate volumes to reduce visual scale and enhance spatial permeability.
5Fourth Garden: 'Entering Tranquility'
This area provides smaller-scale spaces for rest and reflection. Connected water features, terraces, and planted edges lead toward more private zones. The main entrance is positioned to one side to preserve the central landscape, while cascading water features and sunken seating areas strengthen the architecture-nature relationship.
6Comprehensive Landscape Strategy
Beyond the central courtyard of four gardens, the project implements a broader landscape approach. Emergency access routes integrate seamlessly using the same design language, while the commercial street separates retail from residential entries through layered planting. Upper-level folded landscape surfaces create seating terraces and viewpoints overlooking public spaces below.