P A G E 8 P A G E 9 S W I R E P R O P E R T I E S S W I R E P R O P E R T I E S Original placemaking in the Chinese Mainland Changing the face of downtown Miami Even at the close of the 20 th century there were few original stand-out global references for the Chinese Mainland’s dynamic, if increasingly saturated mega-mall market. Guangzhou was the first to benefit. The eye-catching, environmentally-cutting-edge Taikoo Hui mixed-use, retail-led centre would soon become a leading hub for the city. It proved to be a much-admired precursor for a similar, high-quality, large-scale Hui- branded concept in Shanghai – the Chinese city where Swire first traded over 150 years ago. Each destination, by upgrading its individual neighbourhoods, created a flagship world-class asset for its city. With the Taikoo Li model would, in turn, create places which would set the city’s cosmopolitan lifestyle agenda for trendy shoppers; culture seekers and provide exemplary hospitality for its visitors. Having redefined the role of the real estate developer in the creation of a series of extraordinary places, Swire Properties had another, entirely new concept to bring to life. In 2008, the company took an original, lane-driven, open-plan retail concept and turned Taikoo Li, Sanlitun into one of the city’s most exciting hot spots which has given a new generation of trend-setting Beijing natives a place they can easily identify with; a development which represents their values and a lifestyle they aspire to. In collaboration with the city and local authorities, this placemaking success was repeated in Chengdu. Using the historic Daci Temple as a model of 1300-year of evolving heritage as an iconic backdrop, Swire Properties embraced the innovative low-level, open plan design made so successful in Sanlitun, and with added Sichuan- based architectural sensitivity wrapped around six renovated heritage buildings, including the historic Guangdong Hall. The result is a development that breathes new life and culture into the city. Taikoo Li has earned its place as a contemporary, retail-led Chinese hub with its own identity; recently opening a third complex in Qiantan, Shanghai. Swire Properties’ second development in Shanghai, Taikoo Li Qiantan is a retail development which focuses on wellness and sustainability, maintaining the open-plan and lane-driven architectural design of the “Taikoo Li” brand. Its diverse mix of 250 shops spans luxury retail, high-end and trendy fashion, dining and entertainment, lifestyle and health, underpinned by arts and culture. Adding to Taikoo Li’s portfolio, is a fourth retail development under development in the ancient capital Xi’an within the Small Wild Goose Pagoda historical and cultural zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notably, all of Taikoo Li’s existing and future developments contribute significantly to the urban regeneration of their city districts. They are testament to Swire Properties’ commitment to championing original, long-term placemaking designed to build and sustain dynamic communities, within a visionary cultural context. In Miami, Swire Properties exhibits neighbourhood placemaking on a large scale, staged in one of North America’s most vibrant cities. In 1978, Swire Properties bought a deserted, man-made island off Brickell in Biscayne Bay and set about transforming it. Brickell Key is now one of the city’s most in- demand, ultra-luxury private residential communities. Moving a short way inland, in 2016 Swire Properties opened the substantial, retail- led, mixed-use Brickell City Centre with its cutting-edge environmental features. Its powerful arrival heralded the city’s effective move south, over the river. Brickell City Centre has become the new centre of gravity in Miami and an exemplar for placemaking globally. 50 Years of Original Thinking In 2022, Swire Properties celebrated its 50th anniversary. To honour this milestone, the company launched the year-long “ORIGINAL. ALWAYS.” campaign highlighting Swire Properties’ creative and innovative spirit; and reflecting its long-term commitment over the decades and into the future. Swire Properties has shared 50 stories of Originality, as well as events, arts and cultural initiatives that have touched its communities globally. Of these stories we have curated examples that best exemplify Swire Properties’ placemaking philosophy and convey ORIGINAL. ALWAYS. in unique ways. View our 50 th Anniversary film about what it means to be Original Hear from our previous and current leaders on our 50 years of placemaking Learn more about Swire Properties' 50th Anniversary campaign here