FORREC, a leading entertainment design specialist, is marking the opening of Legoland Shanghai, a project in which it has played a key role.
The new resort is the largest Legoland destination on the planet and the first in China. Covering almost 70 acres in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, the project includes a world-class theme park and 250-room Lego themed hotel, accompanied by a retail, dining, and entertainment district (RDE).
Its launch contributes to the rapidly growing location-based entertainment (LBE) market in China, which a Horizon report by Grand View Research projects to exceed $2.34 billion by 2030. With high-speed rail connectivity and a population of over 80 million within a two-hour drive, the resort is expected to become a top destination for families in the region.
FORREC contributed to the successful realization of the project, from concept to completion, working closely with Merlin Magic Making (MMM), Legoland Shanghai Resort, Arcplus, and Tongji Architectural Design Group (TJAD).
See also: Legoland Shanghai: the creative vision behind the flagship new resort
As a long-established design partner to Merlin Entertainments, the investor and operator of Legoland Resorts, FORREC has been collaborating on Lego brand projects for more than 25 years including contributions to Legoland attractions in Korea, Japan, and Dubai.
Playful storytelling & technical expertise
FORREC collaborated with MMM on the concept master plan, schematic design, and design development for the theme park and resort hotel. The resort has eight themed zones with more than 75 rides, shows, and activities. Every structure and scenic model follows Lego brand guidelines, respecting Lego brick proportions and using only genuine Lego forms and colours.
The design team used both actual and digital Lego bricks to begin the design process, before progressing to BIM based software. FORREC developed an efficient design workflow that employs a Lego grid system and a customised algorithm to ensure accurate layout placement.
Steve Thorington, creative director at FORREC, says: “Our process was iterative and playful—grounded in the Lego brand, our team balanced creative expression with technical precision to craft a world that is imaginative, immersive, and a functional real-world experience.”
The park’s attractions include a huge, 26 metre tall Minifigure which can be seen across the entire resort, a water ride attraction, Miniland, and much more. FORREC’s scope included visitor experiences and the design of ride and attraction scenes, in addition to key functional elements such as visitor flow, queue lines, accessibility strategies, shade solutions and back-of-house facilities.
The six-floor Legoland Hotel was designed to resemble a child’s Lego build, with vibrant colours and unique character. Situated above the theme park’s entrance gate, it provides stunning views and convenient access to the park’s attractions. The hotel’s 250 rooms feature five immersive themes, including Lego City, Lego Friends, Lego Castle, Lego Ninjago, and the new Lego Monkey Kid.
Next to the park and hotel, the Aegean Bingo district offers a unique RDE experience which aims to connect guests to the local community and broaden the resort’s appeal. The masterplan and design for the narrative driven area was developed by FORREC, and is inspired by Shanghai’s diverse neighbourhoods. Its three zones, The Gateway, The Terraces, and The Village, each offer distinctive retail, dining, and entertainment experiences.
FORREC, MMM, and The Lego Group’s approach was focused on accessibility and sustainability. To accommodate visitors with disabilities, families, seniors, and guests with sensory sensitivities, the resort includes shaded rest and seating areas, manageable walking distances, quiet rooms, and inclusive design features.
To enhance its sustainability, FORREC added rooftop solar panels to the hotel and proposed a natural filtration system that combines wetlands and ozone treatment. This advanced approach maintains water quality in the central lagoon, while significantly reducing chlorine requirements.
FORREC is thankful to its team of subconsultants, including EXP, CD+M Lighting, Edwards Technology, Cloward H2O, Thorburn Associates, and Peppercorn Food Solutions.
Cale Heit, CEO of FORREC, says: “Designing Legoland Shanghai was an extraordinary opportunity to flex our collective muscle in delivering excellence in immersive storytelling, brand integrity, and guest experience.
“We’re incredibly proud of this project, and of our longstanding relationships with both Merlin Entertainment and The Lego Group.”
Earlier this month, Intamin celebrated the opening of Time Rider, a new highlight attraction at Gyeongju World in South Korea. FORREC was part of the project team, which contributed to the Coaster Wheel’s story, ride and vehicle theming, queue design, and façade.
