Fuxing Island

Program

Mixed-use:

research, office, hotel, residential

& commercial

Location

Shanghai, China

Year

2025

Status

competition

Size

1,3km2

Client

Yangpu District Shanghai

Award

Golden Apple Award

Supporting Designer

Studio Tim Fu

At CBA, we approach architecture differently. We don’t start with a fixed form — we begin by asking questions:

What if a city could learn and adapt? What if the future wasn’t built on a blank slate, but rooted in memory and driven by intelligence? And what if people could experience the island and the water from the very perspective of the former crane workers — from high up in the air?

This question leads to one of the key elements of the concept: a new elevated Highline — a public path that moves across the island. An acronym and built symbol for the spirit of Yangpu. Giving the island a distinct identity within the global competition of future cities.

Historic cranes and buildings are preserved. A new parallel road defines the urban structure. Green parks anchor the north and south. The central shipyard square becomes the gateway. A new canal shapes the future innovation hub. At both ends, two museums mark past and future. Above them all, the Highline connects five neighborhoods. Everything lies within walking distance. A flexible grid of buildings allows adaptation, while selective highrise clusters define the skyline.

Ultimately, it is not a fixed blueprint, it is a city designed to evolve. Rooted in memory, driven by intelligence. And shaped by the deep belief that the future of our cities is the future of human life.