The Huanggang skyscraper, standing at 247 meters tall, is set to become a striking landmark in the sprawling Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, located in Guangdong province. This towering structure will serve as a symbolic gateway to the Greater Bay Area and the Huanggang port.
Primarily, the architectural team aimed to integrate the surrounding nature into their sophisticated design. In creating an office tower for the port’s infrastructure, the project’s authors drew inspiration from the imagery of water and stone. The tiered roofs and flowing forms are intended to evoke the image of water cascading freely. Meanwhile, the cantilevered canopy at the entrance recalls the gentle lapping of water.
Shenzhen is situated on the border with Hong Kong, in the Pearl River Delta, which flows into the South China Sea. The city boasts a population of over 17 million people, and its port is the second busiest in China, following Shanghai.
What makes the skyscraper project interesting?
Upon entering the Huanggang tower, visitors are greeted by a sunlit lobby soaring 13 meters high. The designers at Aedas intentionally made it transparent, allowing sunlight to flood in through the glass walls, creating a sense of grandeur.
The project is grounded in strict symmetry. It appears as though four cylinders, stretching skyward, are pressed closely together. At the very top of the tower, guests and employees will discover a delightful surprise: cascading garden terraces with walking areas. These spaces will be used by the port headquarters staff for lunch breaks and socializing, offering breathtaking views of the city from dizzying heights.
Thoughtfully designed interiors will facilitate flexible zoning and efficient workspace arrangements, as reported by Designboom. The floors are divided into four sections, each designed for offices ranging from ten to fourteen meters deep. This layout will accommodate companies of various sizes within the skyscraper.
Sustainability – a key trend of our time
In designing the Huanggang skyscraper, the architectural firm Aedas placed a strong emphasis on sustainability. Vertical fins running the height of the tower provide shade, helping to reduce energy consumption for its occupants. Additionally, low-reflectance panels on the façade minimize carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The integrated ventilation system seamlessly blends into the tower’s aesthetic.
Aedas is an international architectural firm with eleven offices worldwide. Founded in 2002 by Welsh architect Keith Griffiths, it offers services in architecture, urban, interior, and graphic design, as well as master planning.