Shanghai Vanke Urban Xanadu

Located in Yanghang, Baoshan District, Shanghai, the project is adjacent to nearly 60,000 m² of public parkland. Conceived as both a demonstration landscape and a preview of future community life, the design integrates architecture, interiors, and landscape into a continuous living environment that connects urban nature with residential experience.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Yanghang paper umbrella—a cultural symbol of the Jiangnan water region—the design uses water, reflection, and layered circulation as key spatial elements. Rather than creating a purely visual display, the landscape is designed to support everyday activities while fostering a sense of calm, openness, and community belonging.

The arrival sequence establishes a gradual transition from the city into the residential environment. Undulating lawns, woodland paths, and sculptural landscape elements guide visitors through a series of spatial experiences, creating moments of discovery and visual connection. At the heart of the project, a sunken courtyard introduces a quieter atmosphere, where reflective water surfaces mirror architecture, vegetation, and sky. Native planting, natural stone, and restrained material palettes reinforce a sense of tranquility while enriching spatial depth.

Toward the community core, open lawns, water features, play spaces, and shaded gathering areas create a flexible landscape that accommodates residents of different ages. Geometric paving patterns and integrated water elements establish a balance between natural expression and spatial order. The homecoming entrance interprets the form of the traditional paper umbrella, transforming local cultural references into a contemporary residential experience.

A continuous circulation system links the various outdoor spaces, creating a cohesive landscape framework that balances public vitality and private retreat. By integrating cultural memory, ecological value, and everyday life, the project extends the adjacent park environment into the community and establishes a resilient, people-oriented landscape for contemporary urban living.