Shanghai West Bund Artificial Intelligence Tower and Square / Nikken Seki
- Area:
510,000 square meters
Year:
2021
Manufacturers: Beijing Jianghe Curtain Wall Co., Ltd, Toto
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Main architects:
Nikken Sekkei Ltd
Text description provided by the architects. Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River (West Bund), which runs through Shanghai from north to south, the project consists of four buildings, including two skyscrapers. Nikken Sekkei was selected in an international design competition in 2009 to lead a new urban development on the site of the former Longhua Local Airport. This company has been involved in urban design and local architecture for more than a decade. The most distinctive feature of the “Wind Design” project is the outline and shape of the building volumes. The shape and exterior of buildings, public spaces in commercial areas, landscaping and interior designs reflect the wind. The simplification created by this concept is implemented throughout the project.
Like a pair of phoenixes spreading their wings, the towers spread across the lower levels, covering the ground and creating space for people to rest. The inspiration for the wind-driven design of the entire site is strongly linked to the site’s history as an airport, the image maintained by the surrounding aviation industry and the prevailing winds. Simulation technology was incorporated into the design process in the early stages of design to predict wind flow and determine the optimal layout of people-friendly towers. Wind-designed buildings also shape the air that flows into the surrounding area. By rounding the corners of the towers and elongating their floor plans, continuous wind currents flow smoothly, reducing the downward effect characteristic of tall buildings and minimizing their impact on the surrounding environment. Wind flow is also directed into the urban area behind the towers, helping to reduce the heat island effect, an increasingly serious problem due to rapid urbanization.
The wide foot of the buildings, reminiscent of a skirt, creates a wind shelter and a large roof over the roof of the platform and ground level, gently blocking rain and strong sunlight, and creating a comfortable public space. The comfortable spatial nature of traditional Asian porches and porches is reproduced in a modern and site-specific manner, resulting in a three-dimensional semi-open space in the commercial area.
Networking to create new vitality –Projects The long north-south space, which used to be an airport, has been transformed into a green park. The spatial characteristics of the former airport have been inherited as the backbone of the city, creating an easily recognizable axis. A subway line runs parallel to and under the park, and the two stations act as hubs that connect the transportation network of the surrounding locations. The neighboring site plans are based on this framework. The buildings are located in the center and on both sides of the park, and an underground corridor connects them from east to west. It is also connected to the subway and the underground shopping mall, making it possible for pedestrians to move easily.
An ecological architecture that uses the power of place –The whole project is designed with the theme of skyscrapers in harmony with nature and taking advantage of the location full of water and greenery. The building layout and landscape design ensure the best possible view of the Huangpu River from the two tower offices and hotel, along with a smooth pedestrian flow at ground level. The operation of buildings makes the maximum use of natural energy. Fades are characterized by vertical fins that express the sense of towering and the breadth of their skirts. A 500 mm deep vertical fin installed on one of the buildings effectively blocks direct sunlight on its east and west sides without obstructing views. Ventilation openings are also built into the large windows on each office floor, allowing fresh air to flow directly into the rooms.
Energy saving devices and equipment have been used to realize the merit of green building with low energy loss. Landscaping of the site including green space, water features, slopes and lighting also responds to the wind and environmental architecture. The potential of this magnificent site was maximized and a new public space was created by combining landscape and architecture in a way that integrates the towers directly into the site. This design is unique to this location. This was only achieved through the redevelopment of an existing urban area in the heart of the city. Retail and office spaces opened in 2021, and a five-star hotel is in operation from March 2023. The new West Bund area, including these facilities, is primed for urban development and new architecture, now housing cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence, rather than the once advanced aviation industry. We hope that these new buildings will symbolize the city’s history and energy for future development and become a home for those who are inclined towards it.
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Image Source : www.archdaily.com