Designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre in Shanghai, China, have been revealed / Image: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners have revealed the designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta Region in Shanghai, China.
The mixed-use project features a cultural centre at its heart, with a learning centre, theatre and exhibition space, as well as offices, retail and residential areas.
A new water street runs north to south, through the centre of the development, drawing people towards the cultural centre and its adjacent green plaza. The design provides an array of outdoor public spaces and makes the most of the waterside setting, with pontoons, floating teahouses, and areas for paddling.
The cultural centre is the centrepiece of the project, with a sweeping roof that acts as a garden bridge. The east wing of the building contains three levels of theatre space, while the west wing contains two levels of the learning centre and an exhibition space above. The shaded garden bridge spans the new water street and provides views of the wider development.
Greenery and water will cover 35 per cent of the scheme’s residential areas, with green terraces provided for residents – offices are sited next to the residential zones, sharing their amenities and public spaces.
Here studio head Gerard Everden shares further details of the project:
What will it mean for the region to have such a large-scale cultural facility built? Xicen Science & Technology Centre is a landmark project, designed around the site’s natural resources, including the central Shengouxu Harbour. The human-centred design will have a positive impact on the wider area, showcasing its vibrant art and culture.
How would you sum up the design of the cultural centre? The cultural centre is envisaged as a community ‘living room,’ with new exhibitions and performances activating the space and state-of-the-art lighting design that enlivens the plaza at night.
How has the design been influenced by the local area? The design draws inspiration from Jinze Town, incorporating the symbols and architectural references of the ancient water town. The scheme also learns from traditional Jiangnan culture, translating more traditional elements into a modern design language.
Taking the form of a bridge, the cultural centre serves as a public passageway across the river, connecting the lakefront site and the commercial water street within the residential cluster, while providing a public space and viewing platform for people to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The project incorporates the existing wetlands and introduces sponge city strategies to retain rainwater. In the summer, when the temperature is high, the water system and greenery will cool public spaces across the development.
What are you proudest of with this project? Xicen Science & Technology Centre will set new standards for low impact waterside communities within the Yangtze River Delta region, and further afield. The human-scale project establishes connections with the natural world, maximising views towards Beihenggang Lake, while carefully knitting together the site’s waterways and new pedestrian routes.
Image: Foster + Partners
"The project incorporates the existing
wetlands and introduces sponge
city strategies to retain rainwater" – Gerard Everden, head of studio, Foster + Partners
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Designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre in Shanghai, China, have been revealed / Image: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners have revealed the designs for the Xicen Science and Technology Centre at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta Region in Shanghai, China.
The mixed-use project features a cultural centre at its heart, with a learning centre, theatre and exhibition space, as well as offices, retail and residential areas.
A new water street runs north to south, through the centre of the development, drawing people towards the cultural centre and its adjacent green plaza. The design provides an array of outdoor public spaces and makes the most of the waterside setting, with pontoons, floating teahouses, and areas for paddling.
The cultural centre is the centrepiece of the project, with a sweeping roof that acts as a garden bridge. The east wing of the building contains three levels of theatre space, while the west wing contains two levels of the learning centre and an exhibition space above. The shaded garden bridge spans the new water street and provides views of the wider development.
Greenery and water will cover 35 per cent of the scheme’s residential areas, with green terraces provided for residents – offices are sited next to the residential zones, sharing their amenities and public spaces.
Here studio head Gerard Everden shares further details of the project:
What will it mean for the region to have such a large-scale cultural facility built? Xicen Science & Technology Centre is a landmark project, designed around the site’s natural resources, including the central Shengouxu Harbour. The human-centred design will have a positive impact on the wider area, showcasing its vibrant art and culture.
How would you sum up the design of the cultural centre? The cultural centre is envisaged as a community ‘living room,’ with new exhibitions and performances activating the space and state-of-the-art lighting design that enlivens the plaza at night.
How has the design been influenced by the local area? The design draws inspiration from Jinze Town, incorporating the symbols and architectural references of the ancient water town. The scheme also learns from traditional Jiangnan culture, translating more traditional elements into a modern design language.
Taking the form of a bridge, the cultural centre serves as a public passageway across the river, connecting the lakefront site and the commercial water street within the residential cluster, while providing a public space and viewing platform for people to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The project incorporates the existing wetlands and introduces sponge city strategies to retain rainwater. In the summer, when the temperature is high, the water system and greenery will cool public spaces across the development.
What are you proudest of with this project? Xicen Science & Technology Centre will set new standards for low impact waterside communities within the Yangtze River Delta region, and further afield. The human-scale project establishes connections with the natural world, maximising views towards Beihenggang Lake, while carefully knitting together the site’s waterways and new pedestrian routes.
Image: Foster + Partners
"The project incorporates the existing
wetlands and introduces sponge
city strategies to retain rainwater" – Gerard Everden, head of studio, Foster + Partners
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Interview: Sabrina de Carvalho
Changes are coming for Italian theme park Gardaland, with the launch of a major new attraction and an upcoming milestone. Its CEO lets us into the plans
Theme parks: Adventure unleashed
Some seriously exciting new rides and theme parks are taking shape across the globe. We highlight a few of our favourites
Immersive attractions: Sam Bompas
From fireworks displays that you can taste to a breathable cocktail cloud, Bompas & Parr redefine immersive experiences. We hear about their latest project
Technology: Beyond the rides
How can holographic technology be used to wow visitors and connect with audiences? We get an expert opinion
Talking point: Peak experiences
People are increasingly searching for experiences that transcend their daily lives. How can attractions create environments that spark joy and transformation?
Immersive attractions: Tom Lionetti-Maguire
In 2015, an unemployed actor caught the public mood when he launched the Crystal Maze Live Experience. Now the CEO of Little Lion is moving into the world of live video games
First person: Mastering the magic
When it comes to using architecture to evoke emotion in theme park design, none do it better than Disney, argues Justyn Smith. Here’s what we can learn from the magic-makers
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
