Press Release:
Hong Kong – September 2nd, 2010 – Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) recently celebrated the grand opening of its most recent retail project, Palace 66. Designed by KPF, the Hang Lung Property by Hang Lung Properties Limited (Stock Code:101) covers 1.2 million square feet, and lies in the heart of Shenyang’s vibrant commercial and cultural center in the Shenhe District of Zhongjie Lu. Hang Lung Properties Limited is a longtime client of KPF.

The new Palace 66 complex operates as a modern interpretation of the city’s traditional merchant heritage. Inspired by the neighboring Sixteenth Century Imperial Palace, the retail structure uses a choreographed series of glazed, deflected roofs to highlight the bustling interior activity while reflecting the city’s past. The building’s skin, composed of glass and metal screens, opens up the interiors and connects it to the outside activity. Inside, the building features a grand atrium at the center of the complex, providing a naturally lit public gathering space for a city dominated by long winter months. The atrium and roof structure become a glowing beacon against the Shenyang skyline at night.

KPF Design Principal James von Klemperer said: “The completion of Palace 66 will bring tremendous vitality to the center of Shenyang.  The building proves that modern architecture can effectively echo the themes of ancient tradition.  The upward curves of the nested roofs seem to defy gravity, yet are reminiscent of the nearby Imperial Palace.  The retail center is really an “anti-box” – it features open corners, green terraces, and one of the world’s largest field of operable solar louvers.”

According to KPF Director effrey A. Kenoff: “Frequent active entries along the pedestrian streets maintain the intense traffic of the lively merchant setting. In turn, rather than only being a terminus, the building becomes an integrated constituent of the urban traffic.”

Palace 66 is expected to receive the gold rating of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Core and Shell Certification issued by the U.S Green Building Council by the end of 2010. The building’s environmentally sustainable features include a photovoltaic power generating system, high-performance, low-emissivity glazing, ground source heat pumps and a grey water recycling system – all aimed to help the retail structure reduce annual electricity use by more than 20% and water consumption by more than 40%.

“The roof system functions as a piece of sustainable infrastructure, transferring multiple systems that supply solar power, reduce heat, provide outdoor gardens and bring natural light into the depths of the building,” noted Kenoff.

Prior to the grand opening, Palace 66 was already recognized for its design excellence, winning the prestigious and coveted Future Project Award Commendation, issued by Le Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier (MIPIM) Asia in 2007. Riverside 66, another Hang Lung Property designed by KPF, also won the AIA New York City Chapter Design Award in the Unbuilt Work Category this year.

Photo credit: Esch, H.G.

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