Press Release
Cosmic Creek Commercial Architecture by Jing Xu and Gang Liu Is Granted the Platinum A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
Jing Xu and Gang Liu acknowledged for architecture, building and structure design by the international grand jury of the 2024 - 2025 A' Design Award & Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMO, Italy, April 19, 2025 /DesignNewswire/ Cosmic Creek Commercial Architecture by Jing Xu and Gang Liu, designed for 00Group, has been granted the Platinum A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category, A' Design Award & Competition has announced. The recognition forms part of the 2024 - 2025 A' Design Award & Competition and was reached through blind peer review by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members, who scored anonymized entries against predetermined criteria.
About the Platinum A' Design Award
The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
Regarding Cosmic Creek Commercial Architecture
Cosmic Creek is a mixed-use development located in Chengdu Luxelakes, designed to blend with the surrounding environment. Spanning approximately 100000 square meters, the layout incorporates an L shaped water channel, stepped platforms and green areas aligned with the terrain. A central plaza with sculptural planters and modular seating units anchors the design. The project prioritizes ecological integration and accessibility, fostering a functional space where built structures complement the natural landscape.
About Jing Xu and Gang Liu
00GROUP is an architecture studio founded on the philosophy of “zero” — a point of origin driven by curiosity, exploration, and open-ended creativity. Rooted in oriental aesthetics and informed by contemporary design thinking, our work spans cultural, civic, and commercial typologies, embracing diverse expressions without adhering to fixed styles. Our team brings together international experience and expertise across disciplines, utilizing advanced technologies to transform ideas into immersive spatial experiences.
Award Record
This recognition makes Jing Xu and Gang Liu a winner of 1 A' Design Award.
About the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award
The A' Architecture Design Award is an international architectural design competition recognizing good architectural designs by best architects worldwide. The competition is organized within the A' Design Award & Competition and is open to architectural design studios, building contractors, structural engineering firms and architecture and design consultants from all countries. Entries typically include skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions and religious structures. Awarded architectural projects are published at https://dezigners.org/design-category/architecture
About A' Design Award & Competition
A' Design Award & Competition is an international, juried design accolade organized annually since 2008. The competition is open to entries from all countries. The A' Design Award has a philanthropic mission to advance society through good design by recognizing and promoting superior products, projects and services that benefit society, and by creating a global awareness and appreciation for good design practices and principles. Entries are peer reviewed and anonymously evaluated by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members against predetermined criteria such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, sustainability and technology, with score normalization applied to remove biases. Awards are conferred at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron levels. The A' Design Prize granted to eligible laureates includes the award trophy, the certificate of design excellence, the hardcover yearbook, a lifetime license to use the A' Design Award winner logo, exhibition of awarded works, an invitation to the gala night and award ceremony in Italy, inclusion in the World Design Rankings and Designer Rankings, and public relations and publicity services. Registration, the upload of a work and the preliminary score are free of charge, and Professional and Digital Edition laureates are not contractually obliged to pay further fees to claim the A' Design Prize. Further information is available at https://competition.adesignaward.com
Press Resources
- Winner Page: https://dezigners.org/166726
- A' Design Award Page: https://competition.adesignaward.com/166726
- Media Showcase: https://www.designnewsroom.com/!166726
- Laureate Profile: https://dezigners.org/d/358428
- Further Information from the Laureate: https://www.00-group.cn/W2
Media Contact
Giulia Ferrari, Press Office
Designers.Org
Via Leone Leoni 32, 22100 Como, Italy
press@designers.org
+39 031 4491953
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Fact Sheet
The Work
- Project
- Cosmic Creek Commercial Architecture
- Function
- Commercial Architecture
- Category
- Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Discipline
- Spatial Design
- Industry
- Architecture
- Colors
- Dark Slate Gray, Light Gray, Dim Gray, Slate Gray and Dark Olive Green
- Images
- 5
- Client
- 00Group
The Recognition
- Laureate
- Jing Xu and Gang Liu
- Country
- China
- Recognition
- Platinum A' Design Award
- Edition
- 2024 - 2025
- Design ID
- #166726
Credits
- Team
- 00Group and Wide Horizon Investment Group
- Image Credits
- Image credits: #NO1 00Group+Iruler #NO2 Wide Horizon #NO3 Wide Horizon #NO4 Wide Horizon #NO5 00Group+Iruler Video Credits: 00Group+Iruler Construction Photo Credits: 00Group+Wide Horizon
Design Details
- Unique Properties
- The Cosmic Creek in Luxelakes Chengdu, spans 100,000 sqm, blending urban spaces with natural landscapes. Its "L-shaped" water system shapes terraced spaces for play and relaxation. A central square with cascading waterfalls and a geometric ring offers vibrant activity and city views. Featuring "Ginkgo Leaf Units" for shade, irrigation, and lighting, the project integrates modern design with oriental aesthetics, redefining urban space through sustainability and nature-commerce harmony.
- Inspiration
- The Cosmic Creek was inspired by the concept of creating a seamless connection between nature and urban life, with a focus on interaction and community. Drawing from Chengdu's cultural ties to water, the design integrates research on topography and ecological systems to craft spaces that resonate with human behavior. The goal was to foster a sustainable environment where daily activities blend with natural elements, redefining how commercial spaces interact with their surroundings and users.
- Research
- The Cosmic Creek research explored how water, nature, and architecture can blend to enhance social interactions and sustainability in urban spaces. Using site analysis, topographic surveys, climate studies, and behavioral observations, the design integrates water systems with human interaction. The result is a dynamic, water-centric urban space fostering community engagement. This approach redefines public spaces, demonstrating how sustainability and commerce can coexist in urban planning.
- Challenge
- One of the main challenges of The Cosmic Creek was the varying site elevations. With natural topographical differences, it was crucial to precisely manage the transitions between different levels while ensuring smooth circulation and functionality. To address this, the team developed a new system using gradient ramps and multi-level pathways to connect different areas, avoiding the constraints of traditional floor layouts. Additionally, the design process emphasized close collaboration between architecture, landscape, and structural teams to ensure coordination and feasibility.
- Realization and Technology
- The project employs full-digital construction techniques to address varied elevation changes and ensure precision. Prefabrication and customization were key, particularly for unique structures like the Ginkgo Leaf Units, crafted with steel and executed through digitally controlled construction methods. Close collaboration with landscape design integrated thematic elements, such as tree planters and waterfalls, directly tied to façade geometry, creating seamless green and experiential spaces.
- Operation and Interaction
- The Cosmic Creek operates as an interactive public space where water and architecture engage visitors. Water flows through the terraced site, encouraging exploration and interaction. The Leaf Units provide shade and lighting, while the central square and waterfalls act as focal points for gathering. The layout fosters smooth pedestrian movement, offering a continuous, engaging experience. By integrating nature and commerce, it enhances social interactions and sustainability, creating a more vibrant urban environment.
- Project Duration and Location
- The project began in May 2021 in Chengdu, China, within the Luxelakes Eco City in the Tianfu New District. It is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026/2027. The design has been continuously refined to ensure the project meets its ecological, commercial, and community goals, transforming urban space with a harmonious integration of nature.
- Specifications
- The Cosmic Creek covers a total site area of 100,000 square meters. The project's central feature, a geometric ring-shaped structure (UFO), has a diameter of 106 meters and is elevated approximately 17 meters above the ground, offering 360-degree city views. The "L-shaped" water system features terraced elevations ranging from 1 to 6 meters, with the entire site interconnected by gentle slopes for an engaging pedestrian experience. The Ginkgo Leaf Units range in height from 15 meters to 11 meters, integrating independent irrigation, planting, and lighting systems.
- Keywords
- Urban design, sustainable architecture, water system, public space, commercial street, ecological integration, Chengdu, terraced landscape, Leaf Units, nature-inspired design
