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Located in an inner city of the city of Dalian, Dalian Times Square has turned the precinct into a modern, vibrant shopping oasis lined with high-end shops, cafes as well as making contribution to the civic qualities by adding rhythm to the Dalian skyline. There were attempts to make reference to the classical architecture - highly prized in a city so rich in its stories of foreign occupations and its return to China.
Eventually, the designers and the client together adopted a contemporary and timeless interpretation, making the building complex a bold statement with, nevertheless, subtle and fine detailing. This reflects accurately the kind of fine branding and selected clientele it wants to accommodate.
The project was completed in March 2009. It consists of two residential towers, 34 and 47 storey respectively, on top of a 2-storey shopping podium and a 3-storey car park basement. The shopping podium actually allows shops to occupy duplex unit and have their own two storey shop front abutting the street. Two residential towers contain 675 apartment units in total, of sizes ranging from 1 bedroom unit to deluxe duplex units. A residential clubhouse is located at the 3rd and 4th floor of Tower B and an amenity landscape deck is located on the podium roof. In the master planning of this project, the local civic context is highly respected.
The orientation of the building is related to the civic street alignment, and also extends it towards the sea in the north of the site. The internal spatial planning of shopping podium re-creates the 'urban street' and introduces the concept of 'shopping gallery'. The overall massing of the project was in response to the local sunlight requirements while maximising the development potential as well as the precious sea view. The top floors of the towers step back progressively creating condominium units and terraces. The dignified and modern form with delicate architectural detailing presents a graceful and unique identity to the building appropriate for its high-end shops and luxury apartments.