Shenyang CR Land Zhonghuan Yuefu Exhibition Hall by Change Studio

Built in 2024 / 2025 Built Landscapes / 2025 Entries / 2025 Public Projects / China /
chan9e.cn

Shenyang’s urban fabric is deeply engraved with the collective memory of China’s industrial civilization. As a city with a rich history, it continually navigates the transition between old and new dynamics. The CR Land Zhonghuan Yuefu project revitalizes a long-neglected 9,000-square-meter site in the city center. Positioned at a major urban intersection, it seamlessly integrates architecture and landscape, reconnecting people, nature, and the city. The design blends modern architecture with ecological sensitivity, creating an open, flexible public space that fosters interaction and sustainability. Emphasizing fluidity, permeability, and accessibility, the project enhances social equity and inclusivity, establishing a model for urban renewal in Shenyang.

One of the project’s key challenges was the limited green space and irregular site boundaries. To overcome this, the design adopted a “reveal” strategy—removing cluttered municipal interfaces, opening up spaces, and creating a sense of expansiveness. By selectively clearing lower vegetation while preserving mature trees and implementing a “parkway” strategy, the project maximized spatial value and enhanced the seamless connection between built environments and surrounding greenery.

The landscape-integrated architecture anchors the project in its urban context. The elevated roof platform extends the public green space, returning a “continuous urban park” to the citizens while allowing for diverse public and commercial activities. The spatial layout highlights the concept of a “green foundation”, using ecological flexibility and permeability to merge fragmented urban areas into a cohesive, contemporary, and nature-infused cityscape.

The interior spaces prioritize openness and public engagement. As an architectural landmark, the building fosters a dynamic dialogue with the city through its highly accessible and modern form. This openness is crucial for creating a space that encourages exploration, interaction, and connection with the urban environment.

A defining element of the design is the integration of water, which enhances the overall spatial experience. A floating bridge stretches across the site’s water features, acting as a dynamic visual and experiential element that merges urban energy—pedestrians, vehicles, and light—into a seamless cityscape. This bridge fosters both physical and visual connectivity, inviting pedestrians to move across the water while also offering a space for reflection and contemplation.

Every design detail contributes to an elevated sensory experience. From the soft textures of water to the stone elements in the landscape, the space is carefully crafted to offer a multi-sensory journey. Soft color palettes, natural materials, and minimalist forms enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring functionality and inviting public participation. The integration of artistic elements—such as art walls, gravel gardens, and curated planting compositions—further enriches the user experience, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary.

Social equity and inclusivity are at the heart of this project. The park is designed for people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a public space that fosters social interaction and community engagement. Whether through recreational activities, educational programs, or simple urban leisure, the design invites all community members to experience and appreciate this urban landscape.

Ultimately, the Shenyang CR Land Zhonghuan Yuefu Exhibition Hall serves as an exemplary model of urban design that successfully integrates nature, architecture, and city life. Its innovative spatial design, environmental sustainability, and community-driven approach make it a standout project—one that not only revitalizes a long-neglected urban area but also creates a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable space for the future. This project marks an important step for Shenyang in redefining the role of green spaces in urban living, strengthening the bond between people, the city, and the natural environment.

Project typology:
Urban Park

All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Change Studio

Architecture offices involved in the design
STUDIO LINK-ARC, LLC

Other credits:
Lead Designers: Yurong Chen, Yi Wang, Chao Niu
Landscape Designers：Ji Li, Siyin Zhou, Mingqi Hou , Guopeng Lan, Zhan Xie, Bo Li, Songhua Yao, Yang Tao
Client Team：Jingru Zhang, Kunpeng Zhang, Yi Luan,
Client: CR.Land Shenyang
Photography: Ning Wang