Office Development in Biological Island

GFA : 84,000sq.m

Biological Island is a research hub for bio-chemical industry. The site is on the exit of the tunnel linking the island to Guangzhou city centre with a MTR station nearby.

A set of twin towers was proposed for this gateway location. The first tower is under construction. With the set back at street level, a symmetrical plaza is intended to compliment the towers. Given the design of the first tower, the second is required to be a mirror image by the authority. However, there is a smaller office building next to the second tower, which will be kept by the owner for his own use.

We approach the problem with 2 interventions. Firstly, a sunken plaza is created linking to the MTR exit within the confine of the bigger plaza at ground level. The sunken plaza brings in natural light and air into the basement floor and therefore increases the commercial value of the development, especially drawing people into the development from the station. Secondly, the smaller office building of the development is stepping back from the plaza and therefore creating a series of roof terraces facing the sunken courtyard and the grand plaza. The western façade is shaded with a vertical screen thus maintaining the formal quality in keeping with the giant neighbor.