The biggest challenge of this project was that the original building was initially for the local community, as such the main entrance and circulation was orientated towards the residential area - resulting in fewer pedestrian traffic and also the difficulty in guiding other potential traffic into the mall. Furthermore, visual continuity of the space is broken up by the central column linking two large atriums - a limitation of the original structure and also fire regulations. We therefore look to optimize the circulation flow and eliminate dead ends from the original design, while meeting the client’s requirement of having a different theme by every floor in this transformation.

We found inspiration for the remake of the mall in music - we believe that music connects people and as such it can create the connection between the mall and the targeted younger demographic. In order to allow the young crowd to slow down and appreciate the surroundings, we played around with themes, material and detail transitions, punctuated by shadows and light. The elevator in the main atrium is broken up with cubes to echo the rhythm of music; while the second atrium we manipulated light through a series of Gainker Resin boards, combined with the mythological musical instrument "totem" to further emphasize the musical concept. Each floor is arranged according to different themes, from hippie music to match with high-end brands on L1, electronic music for the younger brans on L2, children’s fairy tale music on L3 etc.

The successful remake has propelled the mall into a destination of Zhengzhou New District and became the go to place the younger demographic. The improved circulation, coupled with eye-catching entrance and facade, effectively improves the identity and advertising benefits of the mall, attracting a large number of people from the main streets.The ensuing success has laid a good foundation for the opening of Phase 3 on the same plot in the near future.