Woods Bagot’s architectural design for Suzhou Yanlord Cangjie is a contemporary reinterpretation of indigenous culture, art and way of life of Suzhou. The retail street encompassing luxury retail, public spaces art and culture goes beyond standard retail environment of commercial complexes and captivates young generation and travelers, who expect innovative, creative, up-to-date, and continuously evolving spaces and facilities.

“Retail streets – weave with historic, cultural, and new built elements to create enjoyable spaces – has become an experiential, leisure-based activity,” says Christopher Lye, Architect and Principal of Woods Bagot.

“By prioritizing the experience of all users, the draw of the retail streets beckons beyond the shopper to speak to a sense of civic generosity that improves a city at large by providing opportunities to socialize, sightsee, rest, and discover – lengthening dwell time, widening appeal and regenerating our cities. And Suzhou Yanlord Cangjie is designed to be such a place.”

A place where the old and new organically integrated through layout and a nuanced design language that honors and advances the area’s rich heritage.

A place where traditional aesthetics and contemporary fashion bridges with a rich cultural backdrop on offer, attracting international and reputable brands like Maison Margiela, JIL SANDER, Diesel, Marni, D&G, Ami, By Far and emerging local ones.

A place where various art, cultural events such as public art installations working with international and local artists, music lives, summer readings and bazaars, as well as outdoor activities have taken place to be a new urban community.

We look forward to seeing the new injunction of the old town of Suzhou becomes live at the end of this month.

Media enquiries
Shirley Hao
Content and Communications Leader (China)