ZZ Towers

Zhengzhou, China
The architecture by Asymptote for two new commercial office towers for Zhengdong, a new central business district for Longhu in China, draw inspiration from a variety of historic Chinese architectural references and the rich tradition of ceramic art in the region.
Design Concept
The main design features for both these towers consist of cylindrical towers placed within circular plinths that in turn provide each tower with large interior atrium and foyers.

Atrium
These large volume space accessible to the public, serve both as entryways as well as multi-use commercial space. From these central spaces, the main core elements in each tower extend upwards into a cruciform cantilevered office component. These suspended office spaces house new trading floors and other high-volume programs high above and open void below, while located at the base of the cylindrical towers above.
Facade
The towers highly articulated glass façades are comprised of an array of geometric patterns with recessed collar elements that create a subtle and shifting silhouette and therefore distinguishes these buildings as being sophisticated and unique. The facade panels are pre-assembled into floor to floor modular units with variations in the configuration of the geometry as well as orientation and material characteristics of the glass that achieve a dynamic quality in the façade that varies depending on the position of the viewer, the surrounding light and atmosphere. The manipulation of the physical façade geometry provides each tower with its own cohesive yet unique appearance as new iconic landmarks for the city of Zhengzhou.
Urban Context
These two towers aim to have a powerful presence and stature in the over all master plan as envisioned by Arata Isosaki and his planning team.
Project Information
Date: 2013

Size: 62,000 sqm each

Location: Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, China


Design Team:

Architect: Asymptote Architecture

Design: Hani Rashid, Lise Anne Couture

Project Director: Yu Nong Khew, Matthew Utley

Design Team: Kadri Kerge, Yu Nong Khew, Du Ho Choi, Hong Min Kim,

Liam Lowry

Ping Hsieh, Valentina Soana, Mu Jung Kang, Matthew Slattery, Kane Yanagawa


Client: Henan East Dragon Holdings

Cunsultants:

Local Architect: Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group)

Structural Engineer: Arup, Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group)

MEP Engineer: Arup, Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group)