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Architects: Aedas
Lead Architect: Ed Lam
General Contractor: China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd.
Client: Sun Hung Kai Properties, Henderson Land Developement, Wharf Holdings
Photographers: ICD Mall, Chengdu ICC, Arch-Exist Photography and Belt Collins International

The Chengdu International Commerce Centre (Chengdu ICC), also known as ICD (Incredible, Cosmopolitan, and Delicate) Mall, is inspired by nature to create a striking contrast with the traditional urban context while thoroughly interpreting the contemporary elements of the city.

The design uses dynamic lines to outline the unique geographical beauty, which inspiration was drawn from the natural landscape in Huang Long - a scenic spot in Jiu Zhai Gou, Sichuan province, known for the colorful pools formed by calcite deposits. The streamlined façade creates setbacks that resemble the terraced natural landscape and provides outdoor spaces for restaurants to match the relaxing lifestyle of Chengdu citizens, delivering a 'Land of Abundance' for the community to echo the city's nature and cultural lifestyle.

ICD mall is not only a leisure destination for the citizens, but also an integral part of the urban fabric to vitalize the city. The extremely long but narrow frontage of 360m x 30m is broken down by a flowing curve that starts from one dimension and gradually develops into different levels of curves, creating a unique but sophisticated façade. The interplay between multi-dimensional curves is designed to celebrate the elegance and vibrancy of the Sha River nearby. Curves, Surfaces, and Volumes are used in different parts of the façade, creating a variety of spaces inside out for customers to enjoy. Starting with a simple curve from the west side - with a dynamic pattern on the curtain wall, creating an elegant glowing lantern for the High-end West Wing. The façade flows in depths to create setback spaces for al-fresco dining. Toward the east side, these curves then twist and twirl into freely flowing volumes, creating a playful and striking mood for the cinema house of Entertainment Hotspot of East Wing.

While the mall targets young consumers and white-collar workers in the surrounding JinJiang CBD district, it also caters to the needs of family customers with the provision of a kids’ zone and a family-friendly area. The mall is pet-friendly as well, gathering different groups of customers in the mall. The interior is especially divided into five zones with different functions and themes, curated to match different visitor's needs with unique spatial experiences and atmospheres.

The interior space is run through by an atrium corridor covered with glass skylights of different shapes and scales, forming areas with varying light and shadow changes to provide a variety of spatial and visual experiences while walking along in the mall. The east wing which connects to four residential buildings has a warm and cozy ambiance; while the west wing has an elegant and decent atmosphere, connecting to two grade-A office buildings; The basement connects to the metro station, providing an exploration vibe in the cave; whereas the podium garden provides an evergreen area for relaxation. The two ends of the free-form glass skylight on the podium are designed as a featured canopy, creating an eye-catching entrance to the rooftop, adding visual elements while effectively connecting the outdoor al-fresco areas of the rooftop with the commercial spaces on the lower floors. All the visitors are gathered in the main atrium as a cultural sharing hub, where events and exhibitions are held. The double-height glass façade in the main atrium allows exchange and communication between pedestrians and greenery outside and visitors and performances inside.

In terms of its transportation, the ICD mall situates itself on a plot where the two metro lines intersect as the grid line of the city, guaranteeing easy access. Together with parking lots at each level, the convenience of accessing the mall has risen to the next level. Convenient transportation and a variety of spatial experiences make Chengdu ICD an attractive shopping destination locally and internationally and make the mall undoubtedly the new landmark of Chengdu.