Heatherwick Studio have released new images of its 300,000sq m (3,230,000sq ft) mixed-use development 1000 Trees as it approaches completion.

Located on a 15ac (6ha) site in Shanghai, 1000 Trees takes the form of a mountain-like tree-covered topography.

Unconventionally, the building's hundreds of structural support columns are left exposed, doubling as podiums with large planters built into the top, each holding a handful of trees.

The undulating shape allows the building to blend with the adjacent arts district and public park, with its edges lowered to minimise its impact on the surroundings.

Its structure is raised towards the centre, meanwhile, so as to create more volume within and to accommodate more in the way of programming.

This design allowed Heatherwick Studio to create a building that would relate to its locality, while also meeting the client's requirement for a large and dense development.

1000 Trees is scheduled to open next year.