Nestled amidst Shanghai’s vibrant urban landscape, the ‘Wanmicang’ warehouse, formerly the Shanghai Zhangjiang Cement Factory, is undergoing a transformative renovation by Beijing-based MAD Architects. This ambitious project, known as The Ark, aims to merge the building’s rich industrial heritage with innovative design, creating a dynamic space that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Scheduled for its completion in 2026, this project aims to preserve the factory’s historical character, once among Shanghai’s largest cement producers until its closure in 2013. At its heart lies a striking, ark-like metal structure that rises above the original building, offering a captivating contrast between old and new.
This renovation aims to revitalise the industrial area, incorporating architectural interventions to preserve notable structures like the ‘10,000 m Silo’ and ‘Kiln Tail Tower.’ MAD’s design envisions the warehouse as a multi-functional ‘urban living room,’ enhancing community interaction with a restored facade and a suspended glass curtain wall that connects the interior to urban life.
The warehouse’s long and narrow volume is complemented by the floating ark, supported by new structural elements that balance the interplay between history and contemporary. Beneath the ark, a tiered garden beneath the ark encourages community engagement, while a rooftop space invites visitors to enjoy views of the Chuanyang River.
Alongside the Ark, MAD Architects is also working on the Anji Culture and Art Centre in Zhejiang Province and the nearly completed China Philharmonic Concert Hall in Beijing, showcasing the firm’s commitment to innovative, culturally rich architectural spaces.
