MixC Changzhou

10 Design

Agency: 10 Design
Client: CR Land

MixC Changzhou is a new urban landmark in the eastern city of Changzhou, China. As the first premium Shopping Centre in the city, this retail destination is set to enhance the city's identity and strengthen its position as a burgeoning metropolis.

The 232,000-square-meter retail destination is located in the heart of the city. Seamlessly connected to 2 MTR Lines, this prime location ensures accessibility for visitors to explore its six above-ground and one underground retail spaces. MixC Changzhou seamlessly blends modernity and natural landscapes, revitalizing the city's retail scene and enhancing the lifestyle experiences of local citizens. Taking inspiration from the tea culture of the region, the project features a range of multisensory spaces and experiences to fulfill the evolving needs of the new consumers. The design explores the spiritual charm of the land, with thoughtful design details and unique craftsmanship to create a retail atmosphere with regional characteristics. It highlights a sense of place and underscores the journey of tea and water, inviting the public to appreciate the poetry and philosophy hidden in the beauty of things. Encompassing two wings with a central atrium, the design features light, bright finishes alongside curved void edges, accented with modern recessed lighting. The wave-like shapes of the viewing balconies evoke the rolling hills of tea mountains. The main atrium’s centrepiece is formed by two glass bridges that are illuminated, giving the appearance of a crystal. Natural light pours through multiple skylights. The daylighting roof system features leaf-shaped aluminium panels which serve as shading devices while creating distinctive patterns on the atrium floor. From floor to ceiling, the grand entrance to column details, the interior is filled with leading lines that mimic the tea leaf patterns or the natural movement of water, directing visitors’ sightlines and circulation while underscoring the design’s connection to nature. The South Atrium draws inspiration from Chinese metal tea boxes, framing sections of the space to curate a selection of goods and provide a unique semi-open setting for F&B tenants. The East Atrium features a series of themed ceiling patterns to create diverse visual experiences for each floor. The Cloud Atrium on Level 4 is created as a breakout space for shoppers, with a ceiling design that mimics when tea leaves float on water, eliciting a feeling of weightlessness. Light filled with large glass circular walls and an outside terrace. Mature trees on the interior of the public seatings, underscore the connection to nature and provide a sense of calm and relaxation. The basement food court, positioned to welcome visitors arriving from the busy MTR station, juxtaposes the reflective metal panelling on the ceiling with the wood and stone finishes of the central kiosks. Illuminated glass boxes in the parking garage tease a selection of merchandise available to shoppers. The entrance elevators maintain a serene colour palette of light whites, stone flooring, and champagne tones creates an ambiance of tranquillity, ensuring a delightful beginning and a soothing end to the guests’ shopping experience.