​Jin Tang White Collar Housing
​Chengdu, China          While w/ RNL/Charlesgroup                   AIA Next LA Award 2011           

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While with RNL/Charlesgroup, in the position of Design Director, Ron Schafer lead the design of this this mixed use development of retail and residential uses. It was designed to blur the definition between street edge, open space and typical housing massing. Our project is divided into three main massing components, base retail at ground level, second level communal residential uses and apartments on the upper levels. We undulated the retail podium to accentuate the most desirable corner retail areas and created amphitheater opportunities on the roof. Our second level combines all of the separate elevator lobbies into a few focused spaces that serve as communal lobbies. These shared spaces flow out onto the richly landscaped roof of the retail, providing a welcome respite for the residents. At differing locations throughout the volume, we have provided garden spaces promoting a shared experience for the residents.