Nanjing, China

“We aim to refine the inner charm of this thousand-year-old city and integrate with modern elements,” states Leo Liu, Global Design Principal of Aedas.

“The building curves inflect contemporary brilliance and traditional virtues, bringing vitality into the city.”

Designed by Leo Liu and Keith Griffiths of Aedas, Nanjing Xinjiekou Suning Plaza is located in the core of Nanjing Xinjiekou Business District, which is known as the “first business district of China.”

Inspired by the concept of Chinese traditional art – seal carving, the unique super high-rise building outlines the 360-meter super high-rise building that combines office, commercial retail and hotel.

It embodies the corporate spirit of “Suning”—being true-hearted and sincere, and fully reflects Nanjing’s history and culture as well as creates a new skyline in Nanjing.

The site is nestled at the heart of Nanjing’s ancient city and one of the first modern business districts of China. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the project inherits a vibrant climate for commercial and retail activities.

The building mass is derived from the silhouette of a Chinese Seal—comes often in the form of a quadrangular prism—which represents trustworthiness and sincerity in Chinese culture.

Verticality and symmetry are celebrated in their long cubic form, where a vertical groove runs top down on each side to divide the building into four equal volumes, and tapers off into curved canopies at the building entrances.

The building form also results in a square layout for the office and hotel space which promotes efficiency and reflects Chinese architectural tectonics.

This quadural feature is implemented throughout the project, from facade details to interior designs, to usher in a classical and elegant landmark.

The podium’s two atriums in the north and south imitate the inverted seal, using a structure composed of timber veneer and semi-transparent acrylic.

The main entrance of the podium is situated to face the commercial street and open up to the public to serve as a connection node between central subway station and gathering plaza.

The design’s emphasis on public space is also illustrated in the inviting office and hotel lobbies, and most pronouncedly, the sky bar, in which a stepping layout is employed to maximize the view to the breathtaking vista.

A specialty restaurant is also set on the rooftop featuring a water curtain falling from the rooftop.

Together, they present to guests the stunning beauty of Nanjing.

The tower is scheduled for completion in 2023.

Project: Nanjing Suning Plaza
Architects: Aedas
Design Team: Leo Liu and Keith Griffiths