UNStudio to build up the tongzhou waterfront with CBD complex

UNStudio to build up the tongzhou waterfront with CBD complex
visualizations by moka-studio
all images courtesy of UNStudio

the design of UNstudio’s ‘CBD development’ is a dynamic composition created by introducing asymmetry in plan, orientation, clustering and façade treatment. this build-up of asymmetries has a far-reaching urban effect whilst simultaneously relating to users on a more personal scale. the six towers form three lively groups which interact according to a layered choreography. in relation to the ground and subterranean levels the towers are grouped in three pairs, each standing on a joint platform. as defined by the bridging connections between them, the towers are grouped as a couple, a trio and a single volume.

view from the pedestrian walkway

the silhouette of the towers is derived from a combination of substantial differences between the lower and the upper parts of the buildings and the binding together effects of diagonal wrappings. on the lower parts the towers are marked by dense stacking, whilst towards the top they become smooth and reflective. this textural contrast is mediated by the strong diagonals running the entire length of the towers. the bridges have numerous roles. they help to cluster the towers and to form interconnections between them which can house many different semi-public functions. they also provide an artificial ground for users of the highest floors. in addition to the application of active sustainable measures at different scale levels, passive design tools were incorporated from the initial design of the six towers and the podium clusters. driving features are the winter gardens and green surfaces.

the six towers are divided into three groups

the six towers are joined by a shared podium which houses commercial programs

diagram of the site

diagram of airflow

division of programs

breakdown of programs

site plan

project info:

client: perennial real estate & maxon group
architects: UNStudio; ben van berkel, caroline bos, astrid piber with luis etchegorry, ger gijzen and cynthia markhoff, veronica baraldi, mo ching ying lai, stefano rocchetti, martin zangerl, elisabeth brauner, igor szuba, cheng gong, grete veskivali, samuel bernier-lavigne
location: tongzhou, beijing, china
building surface: 1 million m2
building site: 108,700 m2
program: office tower, hotel, service apartment, residential towers, retail podium, waterfront landscape, transportation hub
status: concept
visualisation: moka-studio