This project for the
new China Charcoal Zhuhai corporate headquarters masterplan creates a strong
and dynamic new corporate identity. The architectural composition is powerful
and iconic. It is instantly memorable from the moment people see it. The arch
gateway form of the hotel opens to the elegantly faceted glass towers to the north.
These three main elements are embraced by a retail base, verdant landscaping,
and lively water features that enwraps them to create an enclosed entrance
courtyard.
The site and architectural
massing are laid out for functional efficiency. The site development and architectural
organization are the logical consequence of their setting. The hotel is
positioned towards the south. This gives it
the longest
east/west dimension of the site, so its long elevations can face north and
south for optimum solar efficiency, while providing excellent views towards
Macao and surrounding areas. The site massing rises upwards towards the two office
towers to the north. These towers are made tall; with the northern tower reach
the height limit of the site, to best announce China Charcoal’s corporate
presence. These twin towers also have their dominant elevations facing north and south, for energy
efficiency.
The north tower
extends the full width of the site, defining the site’s northern boundary as
the hotel does the south. The hotel and office towers are widely separated and
are offset, so that the principal and entrance facades are afforded abundant
natural and south light. The architectural massing responds to the shape of the
block and the gentle arc of the main street. The main architectural masses align
with the street setback, following the arc of the street. The architectural
masses radiate subtly as they follow this arc. They define the leading edge of
the site, while also presenting greater mass and presence for the entire
composition when viewed from Macao.