1000 TREES by Heatherwick Studio | GRC Columns

1000 TREES, a collaboration between Thomas Heatherwick and Tian’an Group, is located along the Suzhou Creek and stands out as a uniquely sculptural shopping center in Shanghai. The project has a total construction area of approximately 110,000 m², with a 6.5-hectare, 9-story commercial space above ground.

This highly recognizable building opens a fresh exploration of diverse aesthetic perspectives. Featuring 400 steps, 1,000 trees, and hundreds of staggered terraces, the massive structure transforms into an urban sky garden, offering an immersive natural experience.

The essence of 1000 TREES lies in the perfect integration of architecture and concrete, with decorative precast concrete serving as a hallmark of Heatherwick’s design language.

The exterior is supported by over 140 cast-in-place concrete cantilever columns, while inside, nearly 20 uniquely shaped GRC columns vertically traverse the mall space. All these GRC columns are made using Aalborg White Cement, produced by Sandarli. Their naturally undulating, rippled surfaces convey a delicate, smooth rock-like texture, seamlessly blending art, structure, and material.