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August 20, 2013

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Developer talks about design and construction

August 20, 2013, Tuesday | Print Edition

Ding Zuohong is the CEO of Yuexing Group, the 15-year-old company that developed Global Harbor.

Q: Why is half of the fourth floor dedicated to culture?
A: It’s around 10,000 sqm and we could earn more by leasing. Using it for cultural proses costs money but it is something we need. Culture needs a market and audience, and for me, this is the right thing to do. Land is very precious in Shanghai, and for me this project is a treasure that can turn into a piece of artwork, and become a gift for society.

Q: Which cultural projects do you recommend?
A: I don’t want to miss any. The cultural exhibition is meant for public welfare. Since July 5, Shanghai History Museum and Global Harbor are sponsoring an exhibition showcasing how the city has developed since 1843. Every week we invite a young filmmaker and recommend one or two films.

Q: Though Global Harbor is in downtown with convenient transport, it lacks nearby commercial facilities to create a complete business district. Was this a planning issue?
A: Yes, during planning and construction, some people suggested it’s better suited for residential real estate projects. But the disadvantage in others’ opinion is an advantage for me. Connecting the Inner Ring Road, Metro lines 3, 4 and 13 as well as 7 and 11 provides very good conditions for development.

Q:  How was the style decided?
A: The design reflects my thoughts. We toured major commercial complexes in different countries. When we saw Trafford Center in Manchester, UK, that shopping complex struck me. It was exactly the ideal building we were looking for. But Global Harbor is not a copy, we need our own ideas. We chose the firm that designed Trafford and made a lot of changes. The entire building incorporates historic, artistic and fashion elements.

Q: What obstacles did you encounter?
A: Global Harbor is 560 meters long from north to south, 150 meters wide. It has two lower levels and four upper levels. A project of this scale certainly faced many problems. It started in 2007, and though we had Trafford as an example, Shanghai is not Manchester. When the design process began, we learned that Metro lines were under construction in the area so we kept in touch closely. The hall floor of the Metro station was minus 13 meters, so we made our lower Level 2 the same, so passengers walking out of the station can easily enter.Global Harbor is a commercial project, but it serves the public. I also dream about taking it to other cities in China.

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