Mosaic

Beijing, China

Photo © Misae Hiromatsu

Picture © Misae Hiromatsu

Photo © Misae Hiromatsu

Mixed Use

Architects: SAKO Architects

Location: Beijing, China
Year: 2008
Team: Principal Architect: Keiichiro Sako
Architectural Design: SAKO Architects
Interior Design: SAKO Architects

“MOSAIC in Beijing" is a mixed-use development consisting of a residential complex and a shopping mall in an economic development zone in Beijing.

The economic development zone, which was converted from a vast area of farmland, consists of wide streets and large blocks, with buildings arranged in low density. Although the buildings are new, many of them are plain and tasteless, and it is difficult to say that it is a vibrant town.

The project's predecessor was a four-story RC structure left bare and abandoned in a prime location in such an economic development zone. In taking over and restarting it, the three upper office buildings were converted into a residential complex, and the department store into a shopping mall.

The use of the mosaic motif on the facade of the high-rise residential tower would create a festive landscape of dancing confetti. The creation of such a landmark would have a positive impact on the entire district. Mosaic is consistently used for the glass roof, signage, landscape, and interior design.

Two traffic flow elements were added to the shopping mall. The first is the glass shaft of the EV, with purple lighting as an eye-catcher. The second is the main entrance, which opens wide to the outside. It provides direct access from the outside to four different floors from the basement to the third floor. The polygonal reflective surfaces divide, amplify, and dissipate the movement of people and the ever-changing light.