63SHAKING UP SHANGHAI A compound of five tanks that once stored aviation fuel has been turned into a park and
cultural center on the outskirts of Shanghai (top), where a large open plaza unites the group. Inside, each of the tanks
offers different functions, including art display and performing arts. Rolling landscapes (above and opposite), which
OPEN Architecture refers to as a “super surface,” unite the complex and take visitors on various paths with views.to become attractive and accessible. OPEN’s
cofounder and principal Li took inspiration
from Frederick Law Olmsted, best known for
designing Central Park and other urban parks
in late 19thcentury America. He notes, “The
essence of Tank is about inviting people into a
space to be enjoyed by everyone.”
In order to accomplish this goal, the archi
tects created a system of rolling landscapes
(which they call “super surface”) around the
former fuel tanks, to offer multiple means for
walking and viewing the park to those who
enter the grounds, free of charge. For example,
a phalanx of neatly planted Wingleaf Soap
berry trees draws visitors to a paved lane
ending at the Huangpu River. Concrete paths
cut through undulating lawns and flowering
plants to lead up to a rooftop observation
point, or to a pavilion.
Art is very much a part of the Tank’s
identity. The gardens are dotted with large
sculptures such as those by Danh Vo, which in
turn point toward the sunken plaza where a
row of fulllength glass doors welcomes a
paying public to indoor exhibitions (which do