Renovation of Shanghai Jiajie International Plaza

AIM completed architectural and interior renovation of Jiajie International Plaza in Hongkou, Shanghai, the latest in the studio's ongoing exploration of urban renewal and community activation, aiming to create inspiring spaces that activate building, city and society. The project offers a fresh perspective on urban regeneration: the building is fully opened up, not only the facade but the atrium core. The goal is to bring new vitality to the surrounding area, build closer community ties, and give old Hongkou a greener, more open future. Before renovation the mall looked old and dark; many tenants had left, the facade was covered by huge advertising screens, and the atrium was crowded with heavy escalators. A mere face-lift was insufficient; the project became an opportunity to create a new type of building, no longer a simple mall or office but a contemporary multi-use space. The existing building had a huge underused roof; AIM adds an external structure to the facade that extends interior space outdoors, creating terraces and stepped public landscape.