海角视频

Zhuhai Hengqin International Finance Centre

Zhuhai, China

Standing at the mouth of the Pearl River estuary and overlooking Macau across the water, Zhuhai Hengqin International Finance Centre (IFC) is a landmark building for the city. The main tower spirals 339m up into the skyline, evoking the Chinese myth of flood dragons emerging from a sea represented by the undulating facade of the podium below.

海角视频 worked alongside Aedas to develop this competition winning design. Including an additional four oval buildings connected to the podium, this mixed-use development provides Grade A office, conference and exhibition amenities, as well as commercial apartments and retail spaces. The conference and retail areas are located in the podium for ease of access, with offices in the lower floors of the tower and apartments set on top so residents can enjoy views out across the city, sea and beyond.

Designing and delivering a landmark building for the city of Zhuhai.

Rising 339m above the podium, the main tower will stand taller than any other building and redefine the city skyline.

We made extensive use of computational design and parametric modelling to realise the undulating curves of the podium facade

Zhuhai Hengqin International Finance Centre stands as a symbol of growth, ambition and the future.

Challenge

The design embodies a convergence of energy in the architectural form. Capturing the power and movement of the sea, the curved podium facade is both visually dynamic and complex to realise. Adding to our challenge was our client鈥檚 aim to achieve the high performance and unique aesthetic of this facade while reducing its cost.

A roof light spanning 37m x 59m draws natural light into the heart of the podium building. Envisaged as a continuation of the sweeping lines around the facade, the light features a curved surface with a hole in its centre. Our engineers were tasked with developing a steel structure strong enough to realise this dynamic shape while also being lightweight and of maximum possible permeability.

Solution

To realise the rippled facade, we used parametric techniques to simulate the effects of using straight and curved panels in different positions. Through a rigorous process of analysis and optimisation, we were able to develop a solution comprising smaller, standardised and mostly flat components that could be installed at gradually shifting angles to create three-dimensional curves. In doing so, we were able to realise the striking visual effect of the architectural intent while reducing construction cost in line with our client鈥檚 specification.

Due to the complexity of the podium skylight鈥檚 geometry and its large span, our structural team studied several feasible solutions and settled on a single-layer latticed shell steel that is capable of supporting both the gravity and wind loads required. We used BIM, Grasshopper, Revit and Autodesk Robot to assist in the development of this design, performing ongoing research, calculation and comparison to develop solutions that made the structure lighter and more elegant without reducing its strength. This included recommending special joints to maintain the precise and delicate appearance of the steel lattice.

Value

Our meticulous and creative approach to developing solutions for both the dynamic facade of the podium and the complex skylight translated an ambitious architectural vision into buildable reality. Occupying a pivotal site in this rapidly expanding city, the Zhuhai Hengqin IFC shines out across the water as a beacon of endeavour and the gateway to a future financial district on Hengqin Island. As well as connecting Hong Kong, Macao and other key cities in the region, it establishes Zhuhai as a major new contender in the Greater Bay Area.