Century Square, located in the heart of East Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most iconic pedestrian street, is reimagined as a vibrant, ecological, and interactive urban space. The design pays homage to Shanghai’s origin—“upon the sea”—through the metaphor of a shell opening to reveal a pearl: a central kaleidoscope structure that reflects and reframes the cityscape like the surface of water. The square becomes a green, flexible stage for public life: offering event zones, exhibition areas, public seating, and an immersive lighting experience that transforms at night into a glowing homage to the sea.
The Kaleidoscope is not only an architectural centerpiece but also an environmental tool, filtering air and regulating climate with advanced ecological systems. Integrated within the site are green grades with shadow roofs, rain protection, and vegetation that provide a buffer between the public space and surrounding high-rise buildings. Designed to host large events, daily public life, and moments of rest, Century Square emerges as a new cultural and ecological landmark for the city.
