Sanlitun West 5th Street No.5 Campus – Time Garden

Project backgroud

Campus of West 5th Street, Sanlitun, is nestled within the Second Embassy District. Strategically connecting Sanlitun Taikoo Li and Liangma river, it serves not only as a public space node between two vibrant urban hubs but also as a commercial service hub in the area. As a open space in the core of the embassy district, the designers aim to integrate nature and art into the office park, creating a “Garden Green Core” infused with humanistic spirit and fostering an open, shared international community. landscape renovation, as the pioneer of the entire campus transformation, revitalizes the site, gradually developing an open and diverse urban garden district combining commercial and office functions.

The campus features a layout where the southwest zone is primarily for retail and F&B, while the northeast zone is mainly for office. The landscape renovation integrates building functions and site atmosphere, dividing the public space into various types of characteristic garden and plazas, creating continuous internal green pedestrian corridors, and developing outward-facing street and pedestrian. In the long term, the building facades and business formats will be integrated to achieve a complete vision of an open and organic district.

Design strategy

The design begins with a subtraction approach: clearing redundant shrubs to reveal the natural forms of magnolias, Chinese crabapples, ginkgoes, and cypresses, creating a spatial transparency. Then an addition strategy is employed to introducing pedestrian paths and activity spaces beneath the trees canopy to craft vibrant shared gardens. The reclaimed recreational areas formed virtuous natural landscapes, enhancing leisure, as well as commercial and cultural vitality of the campus.

The concept for the overall spatial elements inspired by the blooming of magnolias in the courtyard. A series of petal-shaped pavements are created. With “flowers” paving the path, the use of gaps and jigsaw patterns integrates the breath of the space for plants. This brings vitality to the paved surface, reflecting the life force of vegetation into the site.

Northwest garden

The northwest side of the park serves as the “backyard” for offices and restaurants, featuring higher vegetation coverage. Magnolia groves and large cedars over 20 years old have already established a serene atmosphere. It preserved the existing woods and redesigned winding, natural woodland trails. Characteristic shaped concrete concrete bricks, resembling scattered magnolia petals, are dispersed throughout the garden.

Green pedestrian corridor

The pedestrian path serves both as a transit route and a pleasant stroll, connecting the garden’s various key points. By leveling the paved pedestrian areas with the roadways, it optimizes the walking experience, clarifies functional boundaries, and improves overall comfort within the park. The pedestrian spaces include rest areas and outdoor seating for businesses. These preparations to welcome visitors lay the foundation for the future fully open campus.