2010 May 20 Sanlitun SOHO to Open Next Week
SOHO China Ltd announced today that the Sanlitun SOHO development is finally set to open on Saturday, May 29.
The new complex, located opposite The Village on the site of the original Sanlitun South Bar Street, has been lighting up the sky around Beijing’s best known bar district throughout much of the winter. The hoardings around the site came down a few weeks ago, but given the complex still looks suspiciously empty from the street, theBeijinger.com contacted the Public Relations and Marketing Department of SOHO China to clarify whether any businesses would be in place by the May 29 opening.
We were told, “Technically [May 29] is more of a soft opening… meaning that we are celebrating the completion of construction of the project with an event that is open to friends of SOHO and the general public.”
SOHO China confirmed the site would be open to pedestrians from the morning of Saturday, May 29, however no stores or offices will be open at that time.
The official opening ceremony will take place between 5 and 7pm on May 29. There will be entertainment for visitors, and Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed The Village, will be on hand.
Stay tuned to theBeijinger.com for news on Sanlitun SOHO’s commercial tenants as they move in and open.
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Re: Sanlitun SOHO to Open Next Week
From a presentation booklet of Kengo Kuma & Associates
"The essence of my approach is the use of natural materials in order to create airy, open spaces
filled with sunlight. The methods for creating architecture must be flexible and open; structures
must harmonize with, and be "friendly" towards the human body. Everything must be light and
gentle; from the planning of the structure and the ventilation system to the designing of the way
light filters through the building. These principles are the complete opposite of what a concrete
building stands for. Only by taking this path architecture finally blends into and becomes one with
nature."
Kuma-sensei what happened?