Project in Detail
Poly International Plaza
Guangzhou, China
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
2008
World Architecture Festival 2008 - Shortlisted
Tim Griffith
Poly International Plaza
Guangzhou, China
This mixed-use office and retail complex embraces the climate and the local significance of the Pearl River. The expressed structure and offset core define this energy-efficient design; the structural spine supports the large open floor plates and glassy core, which capture dramatic views of the waterfront.
China Poly Corporation sought to create an innovative office and trade center development in Pazhou, Guangzhou, an industrial city along the Pearl River. The Plaza consists of two towers, each coupled with a low-rise podium that accommodates exhibition and retail uses; the below-grade spaces include an exhibition hall and trade center.
The offset core towers, which include a thin bar of office space, maximize light transmission to their interiors. on the north, the towers’ forms are defined by floor-to-ceiling glass, shaded by vertical fins. on the south, they expose their structural framework. The towers advocate sustainable design through their use of natural light, natural ventilation, floor-by-floor mechanical systems, under floor air distribution, shaded outdoor space, and green roofs.
Thanks to the towers’ innovative structural spine and double lattice brace, the offset cores are light and transparent and allow a high degree of openness to northern views. the glass elevators, staircases, restrooms, and terraces, are all light-filled spaces.
A large, central terrace at the midpoint of each tower acts as an aperture allowing wind to pass through the 35-story structures. these terraces, which also act as emergency refuges, are the towers’ social hubs thanks to their three-story floating lounges and meeting room spaces.
Lead Architect »
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Professional Credits »
Civil Engineer
Guangzhou Design Institute
United States of America
011-86-20-87544608
Client / Developer
Mr Khan Zou
Poly Real Estate Group Co
United States of America
011-38-0298-7798
zhouk@polycn.com
Cost Consultant
Mr Kang Zhou
Poly Real Estate Group Co
United States of America
011-38-0298-7798
zhouk@polycn.com
Interior Designer
Ms Tamara Dinsmore
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
United States of America
4,153,526,894
tamara.dinsmore@som.com
Landscape Architect
Mr Jim Lee
SWA Group
United States of America
4,158,368,770
jlee@swagroup.com
Lighting Consultant
Mr Lien Chou
Brandston Partnership
United States of America
2,129,244,050
chou@brandston.com
Main Contractor
Mr Jianjun Tan
Guangzhou No. 2 Construction & Engineering Co
United States of America
011-86-20-8381-8987
Project Manager
Mr Larry Chien
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
United States of America
4,159,811,555
larry.chien@som.com
Structural Engineer
Mr Mark Sarkisian
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
United States of America
4,159,811,555
mark.sarkisian@som.com
Transport Engineer
Mr Steve Edgett
Edgett Williams Consulting Group
United States of America
4,153,881,880
Supplier / Product Credits »
Elevators
Schindler
United States of America
www.schindler.com
+41 41 445 30 60
Glass
CSG Holding
China
www.csgholding.com/en
+86-755-26860666
Window shading
Lutron Window Systems
United States of America
www.lutron.com/default.aspx
+1 610.282.3800