forgiving COVID-19 with a new skyscraper in wuhan by EID architecture

atelier ping jiang / EID architecture designed shimao riverfront block d2b, a large-scale waterfront mixed-use skyscraper that recently broke ground in wuhan, china after the city reopened following its battle over the COVID-19 outbreak. as one of the major urban developments in the city, shimao riverfront block d2b or SRBD aims to become a catalyst for rebooting the economy and urban developments in the city. it is located at a prominent riverfront site in haiyang district and is visible from the city’s landmark bridge of yingwuzhou and city center across the yangtze river.

all images courtesy of EID architecture

designed by atelier ping jiang / EID architecture, SRBD is intended as a vibrant urban hub and lifestyle destination. consisting of a high-rise office building, a hotel, residential and retail uses, the master planning of SRBD is centered around the creation of multidimensional public open spaces and enhancing urban experiences. the 500,000 square meter program includes a tall office/hotel building of 300 meters in height, with its upper portion being conrad hotel. a pedestrian-friendly retail center is organized around two atriums internally which also features a cascade of green terraces addressing the adjacent riverfront park, creating a park-like setting for shopping, entertaining, dining, casual exchange, and encounters.

the north-south axis of the site is nearly 400 meters in length, which poses a challenge to create a pedestrian-friendly urban environment. the podium has been scaled down to foster a porous street interface, stimulating street activities and creating a permeable streetscape. previously known for its industrial site of railway and shipyard, the architectural diversity of the place emulates the varied program elements, while the use of stone, glass, and metal finishes provides a dynamic presence and rich materiality.

in addition to multi-layered glass and stone fenestration, the retail center features copper mesh cladding, providing a welcoming presence on the façade. the sculptural form of the tower is a conjunction of slender hotel massing and a larger footprint of office massing. it evokes imagery of converging rivers, echoing the forces and dynamics of natural hydro-metrological phenomena embedded on-site.

from other neighborhoods in wuhan, the tower’s silhouette shifts depending on one’s view, contributing to a dynamic skyline experience. the top portion of the tower features an observatory, it provides panoramic city and river views. the aerodynamic tower will become a signature landmark to the city skyline while offering immersive urban experiences to reactivate the district.

moreover, an amphitheater is configured on a roof terrace facing the yangtze river and yingwuzhou park, it will serve as an outdoor venue for social and cultural events, creating a place for a communal experience. two residential apartment towers are placed on the west side of the site, providing approximately 100,000 square-meter residential components for the district. the west side of the podium also includes a community center to serve the local neighborhoods.

SRBD is a unique and elegant addition to the wuhan waterfront. the multi-use complex knits hotel, office, retail, and community components with outdoor public space and terraced gardens, reactivating the waterfront public realm. with a series of landscaped open spaces integrated with retail and leisure activities, the complex is a mix between life, work, and leisure, contributing to fostering a vibrant urban district.

project info:

name: shimao riverfront block d2b

architects: atelier ping jiang / EID arch

location: wuhan, china

area: 500,000 sqm (5,381,955.21 sqft)

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edited by: yasmina karam | designboom