This Apple Store in Shanghai’s Jing’an district, designed by British architecture studio Foster + Partners, features a multi-level plaza and an elevated viewpoint. The store itself is located underground and is named Apple Jing’an. To create an “active public space,” the plaza is connected to existing pedestrian routes.
Stefan Behling, the head of the studio, expressed delight in being entrusted with this transformative project for Shanghai. With its seating areas and relaxing atmosphere, the store aims to enhance the surrounding area and provide an inviting setting for the nearby Jing’an Temple.
The main entrance to Apple Jing’an is accessed from the plaza through a stone staircase that leads to the Forum, a double-height store area. The circular Forum is illuminated by a disc-shaped ceiling light that imitates natural sunlight and adjusts its brightness to emit a warmer glow during the evenings.
The same circular design is replicated in the timber-lined ceiling, which slopes upwards towards the main entrance. The circular plaza outside the store serves to strengthen a sense of community and features seasonal planting to soften its appearance and complement the warm colors of the neighboring temple.
Additionally, the elevated viewpoint or “skywalk” offers terraced seating for the public to enjoy views of the temple. Locally sourced granite, specifically Padang Light, is used for the plaza, walls, and floor to blur the boundary between the interior and exterior spaces.