Nota Architects nota建筑设计工作室

PAC Place-making

PAC Place-making 

Nota Architects

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

ARCHITECTS
Nota Architects

CLIENTS
Keppel

MANUFACTURERS
Lunawood, &tradition, Hay Furniture, Metsä Fibre Oy, Sikkens, Toli

DESIGN TEAM
Gao Xiang, Duan Yanran, Yuan Yiwen (Intern), Cao Jingkun (Intern), Ling Olivia Li (Intern),william Sivali Liongso (Intern),yao Xinyi (Intern)

MARKET INSIGHT CONSULTANT
F Lab

LIGHTING CONSULTANT
Yingzhe Lighting Consultancy

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
Shanghai Yijing Architecture Design Co.,ltd

EGGSHELL TIMBER DOME PARAMETRIC DESIGN
Geometria Architecture Ltd

STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT
Shanghai Sanyao Structural Consulting & Design Co.,ltd

EGGSHELL TIMBER DOME STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT
Istructure

CONTRACTOR
Shanghai Shifang Ecology & Landscape Co., Ltd.

SIGNAGE GRAPHICS
Ori Design Studio, The We Studio

TIMBER STRUCTURE INSTALLATION CONSTRUCTION
Suzhou Greenbond Architectural Technology Co., Ltd.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Qian Shiyun, Keppel, Wang Pengfei, Wei Wei

AREA
19000 M²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Shanghai City , China

CATEGORY
Renovation, Shopping Centers, Landscape

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

Text description provided by architect.

PAC is a commercial complex developed by Keppel in Jing'an District, Shanghai. It is a lifestyle platform that connects nature, people, and community. The purpose of PAC Place-making is to help owners develop Physical Spaces into Vibrant Urban Place.

With Nota Modernology, Programming and Scenario Design are carried out through Co-creation with potential user communities.

PAC Place-making
© Keppel
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

Installations and interventions are designed to optimize the spatial structure of the site and foster a deep connection between people and the site.

Selected target audience, including nearby residents, business operators, and KOLs, were invited to engage in dialogue and co-creation.

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

The discussions focused on lifestyle, the surrounding environment, and sustainability.

These insights highlighted a strong desire for public green spaces and other subtle, "invisible" needs, which became key guiding principles for scenario development and program planning.

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

The journey of discovery begins with the central waterscape. From the terrace, the wooden rooftop comes into view, while the Ascending Mist of the Auditorium Hillside subtly leads visitors to the second floor.

There, one discovers a tranquil jungle café under the sunlit wooden lattice dome. Like an eggshell nestled in the grass, it offers tender shelter. White clouds drift across the lattice, while pets rest on wooden platforms.

PAC Place-making
© Wang Pengfei
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

Following winding pathways, another wooden dome appears—a soft play area lies beneath, complete with swings for children, while parents sit around the edges, waiting for their turn.

Familiar yet surprising, the misty staircase guides visitors back to the inner street entrance.

The upper terraces and lower streets are connected through adaptive interventions guided by the principle of Adhocism.

PAC Place-making
© Wang Pengfei
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

This approach emphasizes sustainable thinking, from design to construction and, ideally, throughout the operational phases.

The design concept is rooted in Biophilia, incorporating three key aspects : Mimicry, Green, and Timber structure.

The iconic Eggshell Dome showcases the Zollinger timber structure, known for its minimal material consumption. It comprises over 700 uniquely crafted glued-lam straight tenon components, CNC-processed and meticulously spliced and assembled on-site.

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Wang Pengfei

The primary material is Finnish spruce from sustainable sources, complemented by thermal wood. Both materials provide durability and comfort.

Wherever possible, MEP facilities are creatively repurposed—for instance, electrical boxes are transformed into poster boards or dog walking signage—underscoring a commitment to sustainable design.

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

The conceived scenarios were refined following validation through user prospectives, guided by insights addressing diverse needs — from daily activities to quarterly events.

This approach enables management and operations teams to allocate resources more effectively, enhancing the overall value of the site.

PAC Place-making
© Wei Wei
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

Additionally, research into streetscapes—including displays and signage—led to the creation of Tenant Guidelines designed to ensure a harmonious balance between visual order and dynamic vibe.

Our goal is to create a neighboring Third Place — an inviting environment that fosters both community gatherings and moments of personal solitude.

PAC Place-making
© Wang Pengfei
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun

Beneath its appealing design lies a thoughtful integration of life experiences and meaningful human connections.

Over time, these experiences will become shared collective memories, shaping the identity and essence of the Place.

PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun


PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun


PAC Place-making
© Qian Shiyun
PAC Place-making
© Wang Pengfei
PAC Place-making
© Keppel


PAC Place-making
Playground Terrace Before & After
PAC Place-making
Key Installations & Interventions
PAC Place-making
Place-making in Ten Features
PAC Place-making
Eggshell Terrace Before & After-Auditorium Hillside & Eggshell & Oasis
PAC Place-making
Flora Layout Plan of Eggshell Terrace
PAC Place-making
Pet-friendly Tour
PAC Place-making
Reprogramming
PAC Place-making
PAC Place-making Masterplan


PAC Place-making
Interpretations of Biophilia
PAC Place-making
Timber Structure Family in PAC
PAC Place-making
Location & Community
PAC Place-making
Target Audience Interview Record
PAC Place-making
User Prospectives & Conceived Scenarios


PAC Place-making
Detail of Mist Handrail with Lighting Device
PAC Place-making
Eggshell Timber Structure Drawings
PAC Place-making
Timber Structure with Swing Drawings

Nota Architects nota建筑设计工作室
Nota Architects nota建筑设计工作室
L2 No.1, 396 Yongjia Road, Shanghai, China 上海市徐汇区永嘉路396弄1号2楼