A Sensory Experience in Xi’an by Heatherwick Studio
Heatherwick Studio creates an immersive shopping district celebrating Xi’an’s ceramic heritage with dynamic, green spaces.
In a world increasingly dominated by the sterile convenience of online shopping, Heatherwick Studio’s latest project in Xi’an offers a breath of fresh air—literally. This innovative shopping district, developed in collaboration with CR Land, promises not just a place to shop, but a multi-sensory experience that weaves together history, nature, and modern urban design.
Heatherwick Studio’s design draws inspiration from Xi’an’s rich heritage of ceramics, a tradition dating back to the famed Terracotta Army. The new development spans 115,000 square metres and includes offices, apartments, a hotel, and various green spaces such as a rooftop garden and sunken terraces.
Mat Cash, group leader and partner at Heatherwick Studio, explains: “This new district in Xi’an explores how we can create variety and a sense of discovery and delight within a new large-scale urban development.”
The design process was as intricate as the final product promises to be. Heatherwick Studio employed a hands-on approach, constructing small-scale models and large-scale visual mock-ups to refine their vision. The result is a collection of interlocking buildings, reminiscent of traditional nesting tables, which break up the monolithic commercial volume into a series of inviting, open terraces.
A key feature of this district is its emphasis on green spaces. Local plant species are integrated into both the ground-level architecture and the rooftop structures, creating a lush, verdant environment. This greenery not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a respite from the urban hustle, inviting visitors to pause and relax. The varying levels of terraces and gardens provide unique vantage points, offering views of the central plaza and the city beyond.
At a city-wide scale, the new district stands out with a skyline inspired by the traditional roofs of Xi’an’s temples, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. From the street level, the layered terraces and interlocking frames offer a dynamic, ever-changing perspective. Up close, the district delights the senses with its use of natural materials and intricate ceramic cladding. These ceramics, developed in collaboration with local artisans, draw direct inspiration from Xi’an’s storied past, particularly the Terracotta Army. The diverse patterns and textures of the ceramic tiles add a layer of historical depth to the modern design.
This project also reflects Heatherwick Studio’s philosophy of making, where physical models and mock-ups play a crucial role in the design process. This hands-on approach ensures that the buildings not only look good on paper but also feel right in the context of their surroundings. As Mat Cash puts it, the goal was to “create a city within a city,” merging retail, residential, office, cultural, and leisure uses into one cohesive and engaging place.
As the project nears completion, with an opening planned this year it raises important questions about the future of urban design and the role of sensory, experiential spaces in our increasingly digital lives. Will this new district in Xi’an set a precedent for other cities looking to revitalise their commercial centres? Can such projects genuinely counter the emotional and aesthetic deprivation caused by online shopping?
Heatherwick Studio’s innovative approach in Xi’an suggests that the answer might be yes. By honouring the past while embracing modern design principles, they have created a space that is not only functional but also deeply enriching. Whether this model will be adopted more widely remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the new shopping district in Xi’an is a testament to the power of thoughtful, immersive design in our urban landscapes.
