As one of the focal developing districts located in western Beijing that comprised of three zones, Shougang is a cradle for high-end industries which leads to the green transformation of traditional industries. Aedas Global Design Principal Dr. Andy Wen and Executive Director Zi Huan Lin led the team to create a mixed-use commercial complex on the southeast part of economic zone.

The rectangular plot maximises the land efficiency, offering a park view on the west and metro connection at the south and north entrances. ‘Putting the whole masterplan into consideration, the design has integrated with the urban fabric. Financial offices are located on the south and west to reserve the landscape and nearby buildings.’ Zi Huan says.

Echoing the surrounding chessboard-like layout and the variation in heights, a unique skyline is created for the city. The low-rise tower is placed in the north while two high-rise towers are diagonally placed in the south. Two piazzas are designed at the corners, unifying the architectural language within the plot and enhancing the vitality to the public. The northeastern piazza integrates with the nearby urban green axis, creating a collaborative working experience and humane communal space. Connected to the pedestrian entrance, the sunken piazza at the southwest brings circulation to the integrated underground work-retail area where the VIP drop-off is also located, creating a superior arrival experience.

The façade drew inspiration from sculpting, carving the massing to avoid opposing straight corners. The reduced massing and simple architectural form create a comfortable spatial experience. Horizontal façade fins are complemented with glass panels, mimicking the form of diamonds to represent perseverance and eternity.

Wide glass panels and casement windows are used to optimise the cityscape views and ventilation. The low-rise office tower also uses the neat yet vigorous architectural form, representing a vision of entrepreneurship with sustainable development.

The airy and bright office lobby is created by a 5-storey void, creating a contemporary and grandeur corporate image. Abundant natural sunlight is injected to the interiors, forming a people-centric working environment within an adaptive and flexible layout.

The energy-efficient measures has brought the project to receive the highest rating level of The Green Building Evaluation Label and LEED Gold Certification. The design greatly reduces the light pollution and optimises the energy-saving measures for interiors through highly reflective aluminium façade panels. In harmony with the urban green spaces, the central plaza, landscape and rooftop garden are connected as a multi-layered green realm.

Zi Huan shares the design objective, ‘Balancing the quality of office and communal spaces, we have created a high-end financial office park that integrates with the nature.’