Exterior view of a modern office and research building featuring a vertically articulated façade, a clear cubic form and landscaped areas within the campus setting.

Urban Design

EXPO Green Valley Shanghai

Detail view of multi‑layered building volumes with landscaped terraces, a vertical façade grid and adjacent tree structures in the outdoor area.

An urban landscape for a new city quarter

On the former grounds of Expo 2010, a new urban centre has emerged, unfolding like an open valley across the former exhibition site. The concept of the “Green Valley” not only forms a distinctive spatial gesture, but also defines a working and living environment characterised by clear orientation and deliberately framed visual relationships. Two iconic former Expo pavilions are integral to this concept and shape the identity of the district.

At a Glance

A green urban landscape creates an identity‑forming public realm within a dense urban context on the former site of Expo 2010

Visual axes connect the former Chinese and Saudi Arabian Pavilions with the new quarter and frame the green core of the neighbourhood

Topographic terracing interweaves public levels, creates spatial quality, and defines clearly legible addresses

A variety of uses are integrated into a two‑storey urban podium

A district embedded in its history

The urban design makes use of the unique location between the riverfront, the green corridor, and the Expo pavilions, transforming it into an urban fabric. The connection of the district through visual axes structures the entire site. The Chinese Pavilion acts as a powerful point of arrival, its orientation radiating into the new district. Development in close proximity to the pavilion is deliberately kept lower in height. This ensures that the presence of the iconic pavilion remains legible within the cityscape, forming a cultural, and spatial anchor.

A green valley connecting the public spaces

The central axis of the masterplan functions as a continuous, gently terraced valley. Individual height levels are interconnected by broad staircases, bridges, and passages. This creates a flowing spatial sequence that links the various public levels with retail, gastronomy, and areas for staying.

Spatial diversity, linked by a coherent logic

The masterplan follows a clear logic of block edges, terraces, and stepped building heights. The building volumes rhythmically articulate the valley topography and create clearly defined addresses. Commercial uses are concentrated within a two‑storey podium that interlocks the quarter. High‑rise buildings mark the block corners as precisely placed urban points.

Sustainability as part of the urban strategy

The masterplan pursues a consistent ecological agenda. Green roofs improve the microclimate, retain rainwater, and enhance the quality of the public realm. Urban rainwater management and optimised building structures contribute to energy efficiency. The district is potentially certifiable under LEED ND and DGNB NSQ and integrates mobility concepts such as electric charging infrastructure, strong public transport connections, and pedestrian‑friendly circulation.

Project Profile

Project: EXPO Green Valley
Location: Shanghai
Client: Expo Shanghai Group / Shanghai Expo Construction & De-velopment Co. Ltd
GFA: 80.700 ㎡
Services: Urban masterplan; architecture for selected buildings
Completion: 2023
Uses: Office, retail, gastronomy, public open spaces

Aerial view of a campus ensemble with axially arranged building volumes, central green spaces, pathways and surrounding urban development.