Architects: CLOU Architects
Area: 31,000 m²
Year: 2018
Photography: Qingshan Wu, Shu He
Client: Vanke
Construction Drawings Architecture/Interior: Huayu Design, CCDG
Lighting Designer: IDDI
Signage Designer: MORN EGD
Facade Engineer: Daxi Design
Location: Shenyang, Liaoning, China
Play Stack Shenyang, designed by CLOU Architects in Shenyang, China, is a shopping mall that transforms a residential area into a community-centric space. Completed in 2018, this four-story mall integrates playful design elements with practical spaces that encourage social interaction and family engagement. Featuring optical illusions, space-themed motifs, and a rooftop area, the design fosters a dynamic, exploratory environment for visitors, promoting both relaxation and connection within the community.
Architecture isn’t couture. The whole must make sense before the part carries weight. That said, I appreciate moments where a detail shifts behaviour, a bench that invites unexpected use, or a circulation path that redefines how people interact. Small moves, big effects.
Interview with Sebastian Loaiza of CLOU architects
The 31,000-square-meter Play Stack Shenyang or Play Stack-Rotterdam Life Plaza Shenyang project reinterprets the typical mall experience by focusing on its role as a vibrant civic hub. Located in the Hunnan District, it offers a space where residents can gather and connect. The design integrates architecture, interior design, and façades, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal, all within walking distance of surrounding residential areas. The project emphasizes creating a welcoming environment that extends beyond retail, inviting residents to actively participate in community life.
The interior of the mall features engaging, family-oriented design elements, including space-themed abstract motifs that encourage exploration. The atrium, in particular, includes optical illusions formed by circular shapes projected onto walls, ceilings, and galleries. These shapes are highlighted by contrasting materials, including timber and vibrant colors, offering visitors an interactive experience as they discover different viewpoints. The design invites guests to explore these optical effects, turning the mall into a place of both leisure and discovery.
An expansive rooftop area provides additional gathering space, offering sweeping views of the surrounding district. By combining retail, leisure, and social spaces, Play Stack Shenyang becomes more than just a mall. It serves as a hub for community connection, providing an environment that fosters both engagement and relaxation while redefining the traditional purpose of a shopping center.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Hunnan District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
