Shanghai Westbund Central Parcel F, sited next to Xuhui Waterfront Park, takes inspiration from Guangqi Xu (1562–1633), the district’s most significant historic figure, whose contributions to agricultural studies became the foundation for the mixed-use commercial development. As the site’s economic context shifted over time, the design evolved. While the terraced rice field at the project’s core remained constant, surrounding areas matured from a general shopping district into a high-end retail street. SWA’s landscape adapted alongside the client’s changing vision without losing its original agricultural narrative.

The design had to resolve a complex transition zone, linking the commercial center to adjacent office and residential parcels while negotiating spatial relationships with the established Xuhui Waterfront Park. Traditional agricultural forms were translated into a contemporary landscape vocabulary, requiring close coordination among a team of architects, landscape architects, an art installation consultant, and multiple layers of client and government stakeholders.

Curved stone paving required water-jet cutting at scale, and the terrace’s curved retaining wall was engineered to house an integrated water feature. To achieve an immediate sense of maturity, rice was pre-grown off-site at agricultural research facilities before planting—ensuring the field read as established from opening day.