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TO MAXIMIZE THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT, BOTH SITES WOULD NEED TO BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A LEVEL OF CROSS-CONNECTIVITY THROUGH THE EAST PLAZA THAT WOULD NOT BE OVERSHADOWED BY THE STRONG AXIAL RELATIONSHIP THAT THE PARK, THE EAST PLAZA, AND THE NORTH STATION HAVE ALREADY ESTABLISHED.
In terms of design focus, the open space is as important as the buildings. Due to their grand and diverse scales, both play an important role in creating a sense of place and becoming a landmark. The procession from the street up to the plaza is a unique experience for each. In difference to the current space under the plaza which contains back of the house functions, our proposed design for each lot under their respective platforms is driven by creating a sense of community, a place of trade, leisure and interest.
The building is composed of linear blocks of retail that define paths and plazas, walkways and atriums. It links the space both vertically and horizontally while forming an unpredictable grid as they stack. The spatial richness and innovative attitude is unparalleled to any traditional retail complex. New spaces emerge within the intersections and the possibilities of creating a dynamic environment are endless.
The architecture of the towers continues the layering concept. Both towers are based on stressing the horizontal character of the composition. They are clearly defined by stacking volumes with unique characteristics in terms of layout and enclosure, the idea is to create a vertical neighborhood that gives both the tower and its different parts a unique expression that responds to views, scale, materiality, and orientation. Atriums neutralize the rich character of the façade grids. They give each block a unique face and bring daylight and interconnectivity within each one of the stacking volumes.
The towers façade react directly to the demands of Shenzhen’s environment and the program’s uses. Utilizing the orientation of both towers to maximize south, west and east exposure, folds in the façade are created to vary each façade panel’s specific orientation. The variation between a south west facing unit and a south east facing unit for instance creates the opportunity to fine tune how each unit expresses solid and void. This treatment of the façade can then respond directly to the differing requirements of retail, office, hotel and service apartments as well as environmental conditions while providing a uniform aesthetic and texture.
The retail façades address the conflict between individual brand identity and the complex’s architectural identity by creating a consistent facade which is articulated with glass and another material. One pavilion is wood, one is stone, and one is metal. Each pavilion’s glass facades will allow for the display of individual brand graphics. In this way, individual brand identity is emphasized through its graphic display, individual pavilions identity is emphasized through its materiality, and the complex’s identity is emphasized through the articulation of these facades.
