NBBJ connects shenzhen towers with skybridges to form tencent's global HQ

global architecture firm NBBJ has completed the design of a connected tower complex in the chinese city of shenzhen. the project was completed for tencent — one of the world’s largest internet companies — and comprises a pair of office towers, one 50 stories and the other 39 stories, connected with three skybridges. these structures feature community areas, green spaces, and fitness amenities — including a basketball court, a running track, and a pool — designed to encourage intellectual, physical, and creative growth.

all images © tim griffith/NBBJ, unless otherwise stated

the building forms tencent’s global headquarters, and seeks to adapt the connectivity of a suburban tech campus into an urban high-rise. the expansion of the HQ provides space for 12,000 additional employees and nearly quadruples the size of tencent’s current workplace real estate portfolio. ‘once only a household name to consumers in china, tencent is now a major player in international e-commerce and web technology,’ says NBBJ. ‘the architecture of its new headquarters reflects the company’s rising international influence, its networked culture and the interconnectivity of the web.’

the development is located in the chinese city of shenzhen

the building has been configured to activate movement and exchange within the workplace, creating horizontal ‘streetscapes’ and vertical connections. meanwhile, integrated energy strategies reduce consumption and carbon emissions by 40% over a typical office tower. in addition, the slight rotation of the towers and their offset heights capture the site’s prevailing winds, ventilating the atria while minimizing exposure to direct sun. to control glare and heat-gain, the curtain wall incorporates a modular shading system that varies according to the degree of sun exposure.

the office towers are connected with skybridges | image courtesy of TJA

one high-rise climbs to a height of 50 stories, while the other is 39 stories

the complex forms tencent’s global headquarters

an open atrium is found at ground level

fitness amenities include a basketball court, a running track, and a pool

the building has been configured to activate movement and exchange within the workplace

roof gardens provide an external setting for recreation

the project is designed to encourage intellectual, physical, and creative growth

a closer look at the tower’s distinctive façade

an aerial view of the site

the development is sited at a prominent intersection