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Press Release

Gaofuli Super Highrise Buildings

A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

19 April 2025

Gaofuli Super Highrise Buildings by Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development
Gaofuli Super Highrise Buildings by Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development
Gaofuli Super Highrise Buildings by Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development
Gaofuli Super Highrise Buildings by Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development
Gaofuli Super Highrise Buildings by Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development

Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development · CLIENT: Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

Gaofuli is a high-rise mixed-use building in Shanghai, China. The building stands near heritage conservation districts and Yanzhong Greenland, with an eastward visual link to a central city landmark. The design draws on traditional Shikumen architecture through vertical compositions, polygonal outlines, and softened corners with chamfered and tapered forms. The facade combines copper-toned metals with warm ceramic-like panels. The east and south sides bring in daylight and views, while the partly elevated ground floor places the entrance and drop-off area on the north side.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
heritage while integrating modern urban vitality. Strategically positioned near heritage conservation districts and Yanzhong Greenland, the development features a prominent eastward visual link to the city’s central landmark. The design concept harmonizes local cultural identity, natural landscapes, and contemporary living, creating a dynamic balance between preservation and innovation.
Dimensions & Packaging
Project area: 46080 square meters
Tags
Gaofuli, Super High-rise Buildings
Production Technology
In terms of materials and construction, traditional Shikumen architecture is characterized by the use of red and gray bricks, complemented by yellow sand and cement. The stone detailing on the door headers adds to the warm and textured facade. In the modern interpretation, the building facade retains this material tradition by incorporating copper-toned metals and warm, ceramic-like panels, creating a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.
Design Challenge
As part of Shanghai's urban renewal initiative, this project emphasizes the preservation of local historical features. The ultra-high-rise plot is strategically situated near heritage conservation districts and Yanzhong Greenland, with a visual connection to a prominent city center landmark to the east. Taking these contextual advantages into account, the design concept focuses on seamlessly blending local culture, natural landscapes, and the vibrancy of contemporary urban life.
Project Duration
Shanghai, China
Start time: 2023
Operation Flow
The design draws from the traditional architectural style of classic Shanghai buildings. Key features include vertical compositions, strong polygonal outlines, and entrance spaces that reflect the vernacular forms found in the surrounding historic conservation area. The iconic shapes of Gaofuli's structures have been abstracted, resulting in softened corners with chamfered and tapered forms. In tribute to the distinctive Shikumen-style doorways.
Research
The site's constraints influence the building's unconventional layout; however, the design team effectively utilizes the east and south sides of the plot to incorporate natural views and maximize sunlight for the development. The ground floor is partially elevated, positioning the entrance and drop-off area on the north side to create a cohesive street frontage that complies with safety and evacuation standards.
Inspiration
As part of Shanghai's urban renewal initiative, this project emphasizes the preservation of local historical features. The ultra-high-rise plot is strategically situated near heritage conservation districts and Yanzhong Greenland, with a visual connection to a prominent city center landmark to the east. Taking these contextual advantages into account, the design concept focuses on seamlessly blending local culture, natural landscapes, and the vibrancy of contemporary urban life.
Image Credits
Shanghai Gaofu Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

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