Steven Holl Architect - LEED Skyscraper
Inhabitat Article [additional images]
HORIZONTAL SKYSCRAPER - VANKE CENTER
Shenzhen, China, 2006-2009
PROGRAM: mixed-use building including hotel, offices, condominiums, and public park
CLIENT: Shenzhen Vanke Real Estate Co.
SIZE: 1,296,459 sf
STATUS: construction phase
Ordinarily horizontal architecture is invasive and impractical, however Steven Holl Architects has achieved to dismiss that theory. In most cases sky is the limit, there are conditions that contradict that construction model.
By constructing the skyscraper on massive supports it opens up an enormous circulation area below. This also allows for court yards, parks and natural spaces to be implemented in the3 design. In addition to the proportion and scale of the structure, it has been designed environmentally, keeping in theme with the future of architecture. Not a single natural element was overlooked by the architectural team. In preparation for high winds and large tsunami’s the large skyscraper is formulated from vertical to horizontal, creating a bold yet crucial architectural decision.
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