SPECIAL RENDEZVOUS FOR HISTORIC SILOS & CONTEMPORARY FASHION

This project, located on the south bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Pudong district, revitalizes two abandoned silos from the city’s industrial era as a dynamic space for contemporary fashion and public engagement. Originally a 19th-century shipping pier, the site now combines the silos’ historic integrity with modern design to create a unique setting for Shanghai’s cutting-edge fashion scene.

The project’s goal is twofold: first, to rejuvenate the silos as hubs for fashion events, serving as incubators for designers and artists; and second, to invite community interaction by blending open public spaces with site-specific fashion experiences. Key design features include a rooftop garden and exterior catwalks, offering immersive spaces for both local residents and visitors, and establishing a social and cultural anchor on the riverfront.

The primary silo space is transformed into a grand venue for fashion shows, including a central catwalk and tiered audience seating. The front silos now host flagship stores that combine retail with exhibition areas for high-profile brands, while the rear silos function as studios for designers to innovate and collaborate. The project maintains the original architectural envelope and structural framing, preserving the contrast between the silos’ industrial exterior and the contemporary interiors, bridging past and present.

Emphasizing sustainability, the project’s adaptive reuse approach minimizes embodied carbon and brings renewed life to a forgotten landmark. Through thoughtful design and community-focused amenities, this redevelopment redefines the silos as cultural icons, linking Shanghai’s historic identity with its fashion-forward aspirations.