david adjaye proposes mixed-use gubei SOHO tower in shanghai

david adjaye proposes mixed-use gubei SOHO tower in shanghai
image courtesy of gubei SOHO / david adjaye associates

plans have been presented for david adjaye‘s first architectural work in china, a proposed mixed-use development in shanghai’s gubei central business district. located close to the city’s hongqiao park, ‘gubei SOHO‘ is surrounded by natural landscape, offering employees and visitors the chance to relax in a number of adjacent green spaces.

the tower compliments two neighboring buildings within the central business district
image courtesy of gubei SOHO / david adjaye associates

the 170-meter tower is shaped to act as a medium between the vastness of the park to the north and the density of the urban fabric to the south. offices are concentrated within the slim north-facing tower, offering abundant daylight and expansive views across the city. a three dimensional diamond pattern is applied to the rectangular structure, creating a stepped façade which lends the structure a sculptural quality with an unusual play of light and shade.

an expansive atrium at ground floor level
image courtesy of gubei SOHO / david adjaye associates

the 100,000 square meter project comprises both offices and retail outlets, designed to compliment two neighboring buildings at the center of the district. the highly accessible site is connected through the yan’an highway and inner ring highway as well as a number of public transport links.

the high-rise structure viewed from the passing street
image courtesy of gubei SOHO / david adjaye associates