The tropical climate of Shenzhen, and in particular water – monsoons, rivers, canals and lakes - influenced the design of this mixed-use development. Intelligent solar reactive louvres keep the building interiors cool, whilst recycled greenery integrates nature and the built environment.
A see-through canal, its shape imitating a drop of water, gives fascinating glimpses into an underwater world and brings light to underground levels.
The organisation of the 32-floor hotel is based on its shape: podium floors house public activities whilst the tower is dedicated to luxury suites. Room services are moved to the edges and voronoid shaped surfaces create a fluid, room space with no walls.
Three residential towers taper in height towards the edges of the site to embrace and protect the landscape. The orientation is north south to allow natural cross ventilation, providing nine hours sun. Terraces from the podium continue up every floor, enriching the apartments with wide balconies. Solar powered ‘Evolution’ light poles create ambient light.
A lift in the middle of an indoor aquarium takes shoppers at one retail mall up five levels of fashion to a rooftop 'Sunset Bar', whilst another mall features general retail with an outdoor cinema.
