CLOU architects reimagines a stepped atrium as playful, multifunctional social spaces in Changping’s new neighbourhood mall.

Transforming Neighborhood Retail into Multi-Level Social Landscapes

Located in Changping District on the northern edge of Beijing, the Zhongguancun Changping Community Commercial Centre is designed by CLOU architects as a multifunctional hub rooted in the idea of community integration. Commissioned by ZGC Science City, the 28,662 sqm project transforms a previously inward-facing mall into an inclusive space serving surrounding residents, students, and young families. Anchored by an expansive stepped atrium, the design prioritises social interaction, accessibility, and flexibility. Currently under construction, the project blends retail with public programming, leisure, and culture to create a multi-level spatial experience.

A Stepped Atrium as Everyday Theatre

The large atrium forms the heart of the mall, with an oversized central staircase that has been reimagined as a multifunctional platform. More than a vertical connector, it is designed as a three-dimensional landscape of steps, seating, and stages, suitable for reading, self-study, informal gatherings, mini cafés, performances, and small-scale exhibitions. The flexibility of use allows for continuous activation throughout the day, serving as a spontaneous playground, a student hangout, or a weekend marketplace.

Anamorphic Art and Spatial Illusions

To spark visual engagement and encourage discovery, CLOU integrates spatial illusions throughout the interiors. Drawing on anamorphic art techniques, geometric installations and mirrored surfaces create images that appear fully coherent only from specific vantage points. These illusions provide visual intrigue and encourage exploration, positioning the mall as an “Instagrammable” urban experience, particularly appealing to Gen Z and millennial audiences.