Stretching 1,765 feet into the sky, CITIC Tower has become the tallest building in Beijing. The tower draws inspiration from the form of the “zun,” a ritual vessel originating in Bronze Age China.
The tower abstracts and refines the zun’s vase-like form, balancing composition and articulation with structural requirements and leasing depth needs. The building is square with rounded corners with its width changing vertically from a 78-meter-wide base, to a 54-meter-wide waist, and finally to a 69-meter-wide top.
“We abstracted the zun’s elegant form and focused on its gradual transformation, applying this motif across immense scales: from the tower’s overall massing, all the way down to its curtain wall, entry vestibule, and interior detailing,” said Li Lei, Design Director, KPF, in a release.
The lobby’s upward curve mirrors the tower’s outward drape in the opposite direction and an interior canopy features custom aluminum ribbing that follows its curvature and echoes the facade expression. KPF’s goal with the design was to create a centerpiece for Beijing’s Central Business District that elicits harmony with the historic capital while also creating aspirational and contemporary architecture.
See Also: KPF breaks ground on West Lake 66 mixed-use development in Hangzhou
The tower comprises the CITIC Group and CITIC Bank headquarters, tenant-occupied office spaces, and a multipurpose business center.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jul 14, 2016
New San Francisco mixed-use tower billed as most earthquake-resistant building on the West Coast
A megabrace is a key seismic component at 181 Fremont, with offices, residences, and retail space.
High-rise Construction | Jul 14, 2016
Shigeru Ban designs tower expected to be world’s tallest hybrid timber structure
To lessen the carbon footprint, Terrace House in Vancouver will be made of wood sourced from British Columbia.
High-rise Construction | Jul 12, 2016
Three-tiered, 57-story high-rise development from Arquitectonica coming to Miami
The structure will be the tallest building in the Edgewater District
Office Buildings | Jul 11, 2016
CetraRuddy designs office tower for Manhattan’s Meatpacking district
Plans originally called for a hotel, but the architect and developers adapted their design for commercial use.
Contractors | Jul 4, 2016
A new report links infrastructure investment to commercial real estate expansion
Competitiveness and economic development are at stake for cities, says Transwestern.
High-rise Construction | Jun 29, 2016
Best Tall Buildings around the world favor unusual shapes and hybrid functions
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat selects winners in four regions.
High-rise Construction | Jun 28, 2016
CTBUH names winners and finalists for 2016 Tall Building Awards
Eight winners were named in five categories that recognized tall buildings, urban habitats, innovation, performance, and decade-long excellence.
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2016
WilkinsonEyre designs diamond-patterned Bay Park Centre for Toronto
A sloping plaza with trees, grass, and gardens connects the two downtown towers.
Sponsored | High-rise Construction | Jun 13, 2016
Marilyn Monroe’ tower adds curves to the Toronto skyline
Made of glass, concrete, and steel, the 56-story tower has been dubbed the "Marilyn Monroe" because of its curving lines.
High-rise Construction | Jun 7, 2016
Gensler’s Gateway Tower picks up where Calatrava's Chicago Spire left off
A new 2,000-foot tower has been proposed for a site that is currently a non-monument to an abandoned plan.