John Portman & Associates Announce new retirement Community Project for 2,200 Residents
John Portman & Associates continues its legacy of designing for the comfort and needs of people of all ages with its latest project in the Songjiang neighborhood of Shanghai, China – Taikang Community Shen Garden. Designed for Taikang Life Insurance Company Co., Ltd, the community combines retirement living and health care facilities with commercial, educational and recreational amenities to create an active environment that encourages an engaged lifestyle of vitality.
The project is an open community emphasizing multi-generational interaction. Family members will be able to visit their elder relatives and participate in community activities and events. Marrying privacy and fellowship, the community features secure residential areas, with all public spaces remaining barrier-free. Pathways through abundant landscaping acknowledge the naturally beautiful site which is surrounded by the river and canals, elegantly proclaiming the community’s identity as a place for all to enjoy.
The community offers several different housing options for seniors who wish to live among their peers, allowing individuals to select the lifestyle that fits their personal needs, knowing there are different levels of care all within the same community. Residents can be assured that if their needs change, the appropriate levels of support are available.
When complete, the community will be able to house a total of 2,200 residents:
- Phase I consists of seven high-rise towers and a Community Public Service Facility consisting of several low-rise buildings.
- The high-rise towers include a hospital and medical care building, and six independent living towers.
- The towers have a total of 1050 units, including 200 wards, 86 professional care units, 42 memory disorder units, 120 assisted care units, and 802 independent living.
- The first phase of the project is open and the hospital is expected to open later this year.
Portman’s approach to design is firmly rooted in the interpretation of basic human needs as each design solution is an integrated expression of function, purpose and sensory experience conceived in a holistic fashion to make perfect sense. For Portman, the focus of each design remains, always, on community and people of all ages and in all stages of life.
John Portman & Associates has worked in China for more than 30 years and has designed a number of prominent landmarks in Shanghai and Beijing as well as in second- and third-tier cities. Notable projects include Shanghai Center, Beijing Yintai Center and, currently under construction, Yinchuan Greenland Center.