Zhuhai, China

As perfect metaphor for the strength and power of the region, the new Hengqin International Financial Center designed by Aedas with its spirally rising volume invokes the Chinese myth of flood dragons emerging from the sea.

The project has been awarded a 2021 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

Standing tall at 339-metres, the project is located in Zhuhai’s Hengqin Island, a future financial district connecting Hong Kong, Macao and other major cities in the Greater Bay Area.

The city, surrounded by the sea and mountainous terrain and positioned at the heart of this world-class city cluster, is thriving to become a driving force of growth highlighted in China’s latest national development strategies.

“The site possesses powerful momentum for future developments,” explains Andy Wen, Aedas Global Design Principal.

“So, we imagined this unique building to express the quality of speed, growth and vitality. It resembles prosperity of the new district and rise of the country.”

The development comprises mixed programs including Grade-A office, conference and exhibition amenities, commercial apartments and retail space. Conventional and retail spaces are placed in the podium to allow for easy access.

Offices are up to the middle of the tower while the apartments are set on top, enjoying the tranquil and scenic sea views.

Inspired by “The Nine Dragons,” a famous stroll of Chinese painting from the Song Dynasty, the design embodies the convergence of energy in the architectural form.

The traditional totem of the dragon emerging from the sea symbolizes new life breaking through the barriers and ceaselessly flourishing into an imposing power.

It is transformed into the elegant curves and powerful twists of the tower, complementing the undulating surface of the waters around it.

With four vertical blocks shooting up to the sky and merging into the building, the tower itself also becomes a symbol of talents and resources congregating at Hengqin to create a new metropolis in the Greater Bay Area.

The subtropical climate of Zhuhai imposes higher requirements on the tower’s wind load to withstand the strong winds during typhoon seasons.

The design team meticulously adjusted the building’s orientation and entrance to reduce wind drag and improve pedestrian’s experience.

The fluid elevations are clad in glass and metal panels, pouring down to form a huge curtain swept aside and twisted in the cosmic wind ending in a flurry of horizontally creased envelope surrounding a tall exhibition space and a unique canopy over the entrance.

A smooth transition between the super high-rise and the low-rise podium is achieved by pulling and twisting the vertical elements around the central axis, turning the tower walls into the podium roof.

“Architecture is not just an artistic expression. It should also be buildable solutions.”

“Parametric techniques were applied to design the details of the curvy curtain wall,” continues Wen.

“With rigorous calculations, the curtain wall is divided into smaller, standardized units in a limited number of dimensional types.”

“The glass panel units, mostly flat, are installed by sections and with gradually shifting angles to form the three-dimensional curve.”

“The design team is thus able to realize the design with highest precision and minimized construction cost.”

Architects: Aedas Architects Ltd.
Client: Zhuhai Shizimen Central Business District Development Holdings Co., Ltd