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Ruba Ahmed Standing on the banks of the Huangpu River, you’re looking at what was once Asia’s largest cement factory. MVRDV has completed the GATE M West Bund Dream Center, turning this historic cement factory into a vibrant cultural destination.
The Dutch architecture firm orchestrated an urban transformation that honors industrial heritage while creating something genuinely fresh. The 45,000-square-meter project has won multiple awards and become a popular destination for Shanghai residents and visitors alike.
The Bold Orange Thread
MVRDV connects the complex through bright orange circulation elements that weave through the site like arterial veins.
Visual Continuity Through Color
These aren’t aesthetic flourishes. They’re functional infrastructure that helps visitors navigate what could be a confusing maze of industrial remnants. The orange walkways, staircases, and bridges create an “unmistakable identity.”
Strategic Preservation
Rather than gutting everything, MVRDV analyzed what was worth keeping and what needed transformation.
New Life for Industrial Icons
The massive concrete silos now serve as a rock-climbing center. The main factory building hosts BLOOMARKET food market on the ground floor, with a column-free cultural space above accessible via an orange staircase created from the old conveyor belt.
By retaining existing structures, they reduced carbon emissions by up to 75% compared to new construction. This isn’t preservation for preservation’s sake—it’s strategic heritage reuse that maximizes spatial potential and environmental benefits.
The GATE M West Bund Dream Center demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor industrial heritage while creating contemporary urban spaces. MVRDV has created something that feels both inevitable and surprising—the mark of truly successful design.
Tags: Cement FactoryConcreteHistoric Cement FactoryHUANGPU QUMVRDVShanghai
Ruba Ahmed
Ruba Ahmed, a senior project editor at Arch2O and an Alexandria University graduate, has reviewed hundreds of architectural projects with precision and insight. Specializing in architecture and urban design, she excels in project curation, topic selection, and interdepartmental collaboration. Her dedication and expertise make her a pivotal asset to Arch2O.
