Foster + Partners' DJI Sky City features a tree-like suspended steel structure
by Jerry ElengicalOct 07, 2022
•make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend
by STIRworldPublished on : Aug 28, 2020
Prince Plaza - the OMA-designed mixed-use podium tower - has opened its doors to the citizens of Shenzhen, China. Placed in Shekou’s vibrant context of skyscrapers, outdoor spaces, mountains and the sea, the tower commands views that link the Nanshan mountains and the Shenzhen Bay. The tower actively unites Shekou’s latest commercial developments, its industrial past and its enduring natural landscape.
OMA Project Architect Bauke Albada mentions, “No other urban area in Shenzhen has such close proximity to both the mountains and the sea, with a view corridor and many open spaces. We fully utilised these features in our design of Prince Plaza”.
The 200-meter mixed-use podium tower, located in Shekou’s Sea World district, takes full advantage of its location without blocking the view corridor. The form is conceived as a set of four bars attached to a central core. On one side, two of these bars are slightly set back to increase the perimeter of each floor plate and permit more natural light into the space.
To blend with the architectural character of its surroundings, the otherwise monolithic building is interrupted by three sky decks, reflecting the differing scales of its neighbouring structures. These viewing decks allow both tenants and the public to appreciate a majestic view of the urban context. A prominent opening that resembles the facade of the sky decks is also created to allow the view corridor to pass through the building uninterrupted.
A fluted facade with extra-wide glass panels that envelops 60,000 square meter office space, visually connects the occupants with the mountains and the sea. Inspired by the hills and waves, a hexagon-patterned facade distinguishes the sky decks that contribute to the collection of public outdoor spaces in the district.
To maximise street-level retail frontage, a 40,000 square meter podium mall occupies the full length of the orthogonal site. The mall features a porous facade and a roof terrace that extend the existing commercial and recreational contributions of the Sea World district. Two underground metro lines are integrated into the basement of the mall, connecting Prince Plaza with the rest of Shenzhen.
Along with OMA, the project, initiated in 2014, was led by David Gianotten and Bauke Albada. The local design consultant was Huasen and the building facade was developed in collaboration with Arup.
Name: Prince Plaza
Location: Shenzhen, China
Client: CMSK (China Merchants Shekou Holdings)
Partner-in-Charge: David Gianotten
Project Architect: Bauke Albada
Site: 18,985 m2
GFA: 106,500 m2
Competition team:
Andreas Viglakis, Chee Yuen Choi, Lingxiu Chong, Luke Lu, Xu Yang, Yang Shi
with Max Bergman, Helen Chen, Tim Cheung, Vanessa Chik, Jocelyn Chiu, Ikki Kondo, Erick Kristanto, Charles Lai, Anthony Lam, Federico Letizia, Arthas Qian, Jue Qiu, Roberto Requejo, Ricky Suen
Design team:
Ka Tam, Saul Smeding, Vincent McIlduff, Wanyu He, Yin Ho, Yongwon Kwon, Xu Yang with Daan Ooievaar, Jedidiah Lau, Jenny Ni Zhan, Kathleen Cayetano, Luke Lu, Mavis Wong, Paul Feeney, Slobodan Radoman, Thorben Bazlen, Vincent Kersten,
Construction team:
Ka Tam, Saul Smeding, Xu Yang, Yongwon Kwon with Christina Kuo, Hafsa Siddique, Joanna Gu, Mark Kanters, Yutian He
Façade: ARUP
Jason Paget, Lian Hongbo, Max Wu, Nina You, Robert Wu, Simon Wu
Interior: Benoy
Arnold Kee, Chris Lohan, Elaine Tao, Kai Chung Ng, Kali Chan, Keith Chau, Peter McCaffery, Sandy Tsui
(Text by Ankitha Gattupalli, intern at stirworld.com)
by TF Chan Sep 29, 2023
This year’s LDF had excellent headline installations, but it’s the modest showcases of collective, local creativity that set the festival apart
by Vladimir Belogolovsky Sep 28, 2023
In conversation with Eva Prats and Ricardo Flores of Prats & Flores Arquitectes, who avoid solving design problems too quickly; they strive to achieve moments of joy and happiness.
by Keziah Vikranth Sep 27, 2023
Five prominent architectural photographers tell STIR about the buildings they most enjoyed shooting and the concealed adventure behind the images they produce.
by Mrinmayee Bhoot Sep 26, 2023
From places reflecting the diversity of landscapes on the planet to the marks of human history, the World Heritage List sees the addition of 42 new names.
make your fridays matter
SUBSCRIBEDon't have an account?
Sign UpOr you can join with
Already signed up?
LoginOr you can join with
Please select your profession for an enhanced experience.
Tap on things that interests you.
Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch
Please enter your details and click submit.
Enter the code sent to
What do you think?