Jinan is a centre of politics, economy and culture; its nickname, ‘City of Springs’, highlights a rich history filled with natural beauty — from the poetic landscapes of the Ming Dynasty to the geothermal springs that continue to inspire local artists.
As one of the city’s largest and most prestigious malls, Parc 66 attracts local and regional visitors and serves as a vibrant lifestyle hub, featuring 350 outlets including international brands, educational and entertainment services, gourmet eateries, a luxury cinema and a boutique supermarket, some of which are flagship stores that are new to the market. Our vision for refreshing the mall embraced the space’s heritage, transforming Parc 66 into a cultural hub.
Our approach focused on making the mall inviting and easy to navigate, enhancing visibility and connections between different areas to unlock its potential. We maximised retail space while catering to Jinan’s discerning shoppers, using insights we gathered into residents’ preferences and shopping habits, and local economic trends. Our goal was to ensure that the mall not only provided shopping options but also created enjoyable experiences by making every aspect of the space reflect Jinan’s unique story.
Throughout, we put people are at the heart of the design. Using foot traffic analysis, we identified areas that weren’t performing well and adjusted layouts to improve tenant visibility and customer flows. We removed selected escalators for smoother movement between floors, while expanding atria to improve accessibility and create natural guiding paths. We also added a lift shaft with open views to enhance the navigation and shopping experience.
Inspired by Jinan’s springs, landscapes and local artistry, we infused cultural elements throughout. Entrance portals are transformed into cascading atria, using materials that evoke the flowing nature of the local Baotu Spring. A balanced palette of terracotta and stone enhances lift lobbies, while lighting installations mimic the gentle movement of water. The motif is complemented by pleasing curved forms and natural materials. Many materials are locally sourced, and work with our air quality strategies to improve the mall’s sustainability.
Even essential spaces were reimagined: restrooms are transformed into elegant pavilions, and atria serve as gathering spaces. Our comprehensive approach — where every detail, from flooring to balcony designs, tells Jinan’s story — reflects our dedication to quality craft and enhances the overall experience.
Our careful planning allowed the mall to stay open during renovations, while our custom metrics helped us identify prime retail locations and informed a mix of shops that focuses on securing first-in-town flagship stores that blend international quality with Jinan’s identity.
The revitalised Parc 66 stands as a model for effective placemaking. By increasing the presence of premium brands and enhancing traffic flow, we achieved a 15 per cent rise in foot traffic. As Jinan’s retail scene evolves, Parc 66 is set to symbolise enduring design in a fast-changing market, where lasting value derives from blending commercial success with genuine cultural identity.