China

Vanke 3D City From MVRDV With Plenty of Variety And Relaxation

Eight Blocks - Eight Different Facades and Orientations, Several Green Places, Water Collection and Recycling

20 December 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Green Building

Dutch architects MVRDV are the winner of the design competition for the new headquarters of the real estate developer Vanke Group in Shenzhen, China. Unofficially called ‘Vanke 3D city’ by MVRDV, it is the latest of architecture of the future. Built on two plots of land on either side of a road, the Vanke Group’s headquarters building will be a dynamic, mixed-use development, composed of eight blocks that bridge the road and connect to each other. The tallest tower counts 250 meters. The 167,000 square meter development will house office and retail space, parks, restaurants and a hotel.

The concept of the ‘three-dimensional city’ evolved from MVRDV’s Vertical Village project of 2009, which examined how cluster developments can contribute to sustainable social dynamics in dense urban environments.

Several Gardens And Green Roofs for Locale Recreation

Each block will be designed to correspond to one of Vanke’s core values: ‘health’, ‘energy’, ‘open’, ‘team’, ‘green’, ‘nature’, ‘future’, and ‘creative’. In addition to the large amount of green and open spaces that will be incorporated, the design includes systems for water collection and recycling.

Stacked blocks Vanke 3d City from MVRDV in Shenzhen - China — Stacked blocks, different façades and alternating orientations create more visual variety (© ATCHAIN)

Four of the blocks will be indented either on one façade, or all the way through the block, creating ‘windows’ that will house atriums, parks and plazas. The roofs of each block will also feature green spaces to be used as recreational areas. With all of the gardens and halls connected by stairs and elevators, the linked blocks will create an entirely new kind of urban cohesion and continuity. The network of shaded, airy spaces will be open 24 hours a day, giving Shenzhen residents a welcome respite from the tropical climate and access to the commercial and restaurant levels at the base of the four corner blocks.

A sunken, multi-level green space at the base of Vanke City also forms part of the network, and in accordance with Shenzhen’s ‘sponge city’ program, it will help to facilitate water drainage to prevent flooding, thereby lessening the city’s effect on ecosystems.

Types of use of blocks from Vanke 3D City designed by MVRDV in Shenzhen China — The mixed-use complex offers not only optical variety (© ATCHAIN)

Greenery Vanke 3D City designed by MVRDV - image Atchain — Greenery at Vanke 3D City (© ATCHAIN)

Connections in Vanke 3D City designed by MVRDV in Shenzhen — Connections in and around Vanke 3D City (© ATCHAIN)

Skyline Shenzhen with Vanke 3D City designed by MVRDV - bird's-eye view — Vanke 3D City from a bird’s-eye view (© ATCHAIN)

Greenery at Vanke 3D City designed by MVRDV - image Atchain — Green places for local recreation (© ATCHAIN)

Hong Kong’s Greenest School In a Sea of Skyscrapers

24 October 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Green Building

When you think of Hong Kong you probably think of densely packed skyscrapers, a lot of glass, steel, and concrete. But what about urban green spaces? Now, the new French International School is set to provide, not only a green oasis in a city environment, but also an example of sustainability. 42 well-grown trees have been planted around the school grounds, and a 400-meter-long walk takes students on a tour of the native plant species that might occur within a natural South China forest environment.

Hong-Kongs-Greenest-School-french-international-school_henning-larsen — The orientation of windows has a big influence on the indoor climate (Henning Larsen)

But the green theme doesn’t begin and end with the landscaping, unusual as the island of greenery may be. The campus has been designed for sustainability.

A 550 Square Meter Botanical Garden For Hong Kong’s Greenest School

Architects Henning Larsen say that everything, from the choice of building materials to the orientation of the building and the way the windows are designed, targets sustainability. The company hopes that both students and local builders who were involved in the project will learn important lessons in sustainability from the building.

Clever Window and Ventilation Design Reduces Energy Consumption

The orientation of windows has a big influence on the indoor climate, and the architects chose North and South Orientations to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating directly into the building during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

In addition, the windows are shaded with brise-soleils (features that deflect the sun’s rays) to prevent too much of the hot, tropical sunshine from shining in, raising indoor temperatures to uncomfortable levels that would call for increased use of air conditioning. The company says that its choice of brise-soleils also allows for better penetration of natural light and reports that its design has allowed for homogeneous light distribution throughout the building.

“We dissolved the traditional classrooms, and we pushed boundaries on how learning spaces can allow teachers and classes to work together in a more collaborative open space,” says Claude Godefroy, Design Director, and Partner at Henning Larsen Hong Kong.

Hong-Kongs-Greenest-School-french-international-school-playground-henning-larsen — Hong Kong’s greenest school with native South Chinese vegetation (Henning Larsen)

It’s not only the window-design that helps to keep the building cool. Ventilation systems are arranged to take advantage of natural breezes to bring fresh air into the building – and it’s hoped that the gardens will contribute to the purification of the air.

“A Quiet and Green Oasis In a City With a Scarcity of Space”

People, their education, and their attitudes towards diversity are also important to sustainability, and the school hopes to bring its international and French students together as part of the learning experience. To facilitate this, there are no individual classrooms. Instead, students learn in open-plan spaces that can be opened up to neighboring classes for collaboration and group activities.

With the French International School offering classes to students from 40 different countries in five different languages, children will have no difficulty connecting with their peers from around the world in this multicultural environment.

Involving the Community

It’s not only the school’s student-body of over 1,000 primary and high school students who will benefit from the new building. Henning Larsen says that community inclusiveness is assured thanks to the option of keeping the school’s ground-floor facilities open after school hours.

These include a gymnasium, an exhibition space, a canteen, and the school playground with its attractive green space. With greenery being at a premium in Hong Kong’s urban environment, residents will be able to benefit from the tranquillity of the gardens after hours and over weekends.

Role-Model Status?

The French International School in Hong Kong is not only designed to be the greenest school in the city, but it’s also a space that celebrates every aspect of sustainability. Its architects believe that it will benefit people directly and they hope to provide an example of the advantages to be realized through sustainable buildings, even when they are in the heart of urban environments.

Hong-Kongs-Greenest-School-school-playground-henning-larsen — Multi-storey hanging gardens for Hong Kong’s greenest school (Henning Larsen)

Hong-Kongs-Greenest-School-indoor-areas-henning-larsen — Due to Henning Larsen, Hong Kong’s greenest school is designed for a multicultural community (Henning Larsen)

Hong-Kongs-Greenest-School-henning-larsen — (Henning Larsen)

Horizontal Skyscraper in China Open to The Public Next Year

Soon The Highest Skybridge in The World

24 August 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Green Building

The growing Raffles City Chongqing complex boasts several firsts for China and the world. It’s crowning glory, a 300m “horizontal skyscraper,” set atop the tall, residential and commercial towers, is certainly among the biggest talking points. So much so, that the hoisting of its first section was televised live on prime-time Chinese television. The complex, consisting of eight towers, four of which are joined by the accordion-shaped upper conservatory area, and a lower podium featuring six floors of retail space and a transport hub, comprises a total of 1.12 million square meters. The upper skybridge is the world’s highest and links the world’s greatest number of towers besides offering a unique community space.

Horizontal Skybridge, Called Conservatory, Soon The Highest Skybridge in The World

Construction of the new urban complex takes five years, but the structure is not only impressive from the inside. The curving façade represents a tribute to the sailing boats that plied the Yangtze River and Jialing River, and the two rivers converge at the site of the waterfront property chosen for the Raffles City Chongqing complex. With such a setting, it was natural to make the most of the potential for magnificent views over the city and the water, and the upper conservatory offers the ability for 360-degree enjoyment of the panorama.

Singapore-based CapitaLand Limited, the company responsible for the construction of Raffles City Chongqing, says that the structure and its horizontal skyscraper conservatory mark a global milestone in construction and structural engineering. The building has certainly received accolades on all fronts, specifically with regard to its livability, connectivity, and sustainability. Raffles City’s designers, Safdie Architects, thoroughly studied the significance of the site to Chongqing before embarking on a design concept that strove to reflect the city’s aspirations while meeting the needs of its people.

Raffles City Chongqing - raffles City Chongqing at night with horizontal Skyscraper — The two northern towers topping out at 350 m (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Mr. Lucas Loh, CEO of CapitaLand China, said: “Raffles City Chongqing occupies a strategic location on the Chao Tian Men site in Yuzhong District, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, highly regarded as the crown jewel of Chongqing. Located next to the traditional Jie Fang Bei CBD, it boasts excellent connectivity as it is fully integrated with a transport hub that comprises a metro station, bus interchange, ferry terminal and cruise center. The expected sales launch of our residential tower by the end of this year will present a keenly awaited opportunity for investors to own a piece of this iconic architecture at Chao Tian Men, one of the most sought-after addresses in the whole of China. It will also appeal to foresighted buyers who appreciate the value of Raffles City Chongqing, which stands to grow in tandem with the city of Chongqing.”

The Conservatory – A City District in the Sky

More than just a building, or even a complex of buildings, Raffles City Chongqing represents an urban district. The upper conservatory area won’t be reserved for the select few. Instead, it will serve as a hub for civic activities and public recreation. It features an infinity pool, a patio observation deck with transparent glass flooring, a sky-high green space, and dining amenities.

Raffles City Chongqing - Inside the horizontal skyscraper at Raffles City Chongqing in China — The conservatory with internal streets, building program and gardens (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China with swimming pool — Swimming in the world’s highest skybridge (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Meanwhile, residential, office, and hotel spaces in the towers are selling fast as the project nears completion, and its developers say that the complex will begin a phased opening process in 2019. The horizontal skyscraper that represents the most remarkable feature of the complex spans four of the eight buildings and is connected to a further two of the eight towers by cantilevered skybridges. The entire project can be seen as, of course, a further impressive South East Asian lighthouse project.

Raffles City Chongqing - Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China - aerial perspective — Raffles City Chongqing is facing the junction of the Yangtze River and Jialing River (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Construction work at Raffles City Chongqing with horizontal Skyscraper in China — (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Mr. Lim Ming Yan, President and Group CEO of CapitaLand Limited, said: “Raffles City Chongqing is by far the largest and most complex integrated development that CapitaLand has undertaken. Erecting The Conservatory marks the culmination of five years of construction progress and a grand milestone in outlining Raffles City Chongqing’s image of a powerful sail surging forward, as it prepares to welcome the world in 2019. The hoisting of The Conservatory is not only a significant moment for Raffles City Chongqing, it marks a global milestone in the field of architecture and engineering. Some of the world’s most advanced construction and engineering techniques have been deployed to install this megastructure on Chaotianmen, known as the crown jewel of Chongqing. CapitaLand is proud to have achieved this phenomenal structural engineering breakthrough of connecting skyscrapers, and we will continue to stay ahead of the curve by breaking new grounds in real estate development.”

Confronting Environmental Challenges

Raffles City Chongqing is impressive at a glance, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The structure presented engineering challenges owing to its exposure to high winds as well as vulnerability to seismic energy. This was overcome through the use of frictional pendulum bearings and seismic dampers allowing the complex to absorb energy through flexibility rather than attempting to overcome stress through rigidity. Energy efficiency also forms part of Raffles City’s ethos. The retail plaza makes extensive use of natural light, and the overall energy efficiency of the complex has resulted in it being awarded LEED-CS Gold Certification by the US-based Green Building Council.

With Raffles City nearing completion, Chongqing looks forward to the opening of a complex that will not only raise its international profile with a notable landmark but also meet the needs of city residents and commercial concerns. And, when busy city life becomes stressful, the horizontal skyscraper conservatory will offer a welcome retreat for those who wish to rise above the bustle for open space, greenery, and enjoyment.

Check out the amazing Chongqing photographer Zhu Wenqiao on Instagram (@wenqiao.z). Details of city life, and scenes from the banks of the Jailing and Yangtze Rivers. He’s also captured the rise of the Raffles City project for more than a year. @CapitaLand pic.twitter.com/Z3PKlVH2ti
— Safdie Architects (@SafdieArchs) 23 May 2018

Raffles City Chongqing - LEED-CS for Raffles City Chongqing with Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China — Pre-certification at the Gold Level for Raffles City Chongqing by the United States Green Building Council (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Rendering of rising horizontal Skyscraper rising in China in Raffles City Chongqing — Awarded for LEED-CS Gold Certification (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China - Interior Rendering — Extensively using natural light (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Sources: Arup, Safdie Architects, CapitaLand

Building for Shenzhen Energy Company Showcases New Sustainable Design Concept

Bright, diffused light and an airy interior with reduced need for artificial lighting and air conditioning

15 August 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Green Building

The construction of a unique building according to Bjarke Ingels’ winning design for the Shenzhen Energy Company in China has been completed by its subsidiary BIG.

Make the most of natural daylight without heating the interior

In 2009, the design was selected the winner of an international competition in which participants were asked to design a sustainable head office for the Shenzhen Energy Company. Construction is now complete, and the building opened its doors in August 2018. Its interior includes cafeterias, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces as well as office space for rent. The Shenzhen Energy Company occupies the upper floors.

The building features several novel sustainable design features which its architects describe as “engineering without engines.” Its building envelope has been developed to allow maximum use of natural light without glare as well as taking other external elements such as wind and humidity into account.

Facade from Shenzen Energy Company designed by big — (Chao Zhang)

The sinuous, aesthetically pleasing, rippled and pleated appearance of the building is also highly functional. It was developed to provide a comfortable workplace environment in the subtropical climate of Shenzhen while reducing the energy demand for lighting and air conditioning that a building of its scope would ordinarily have.

Reduced Need for Artificial Lighting and Air Conditioning

The building consists of two towers joined by a lower podium. The folded outer walls, which give the building its pleated appearance, allow for striking views over the city coupled with improved insulation. The folds of the building envelope are oriented in such a way that harsh Eastern and Western sunlight in the mornings and afternoons will reflect off the glass of the windows. The result is bright, diffused light and an airy interior with reduced need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.

Interior light at Shenzen Energy Company — Interior diffuse daylight and reflected direct sun realized with the folded facade (Chao Zhang)

Both towers’ rooftops and the connecting podium provide space for three urban parks that create a much-needed space for relaxation in green surroundings as well as additional insulation for the building.

This new complex represents the first time that “folded” walls have been used to improve energy efficiency, and the concept has the advantage of simplicity. No complex machinery or moving parts are required for the building to make the most of natural daylight without heating the interior.

Position of Shenzen Energy Company to sunlight path — (Chao Zhang)

Reducing solar loads with facade from Shenzen Energy Company - only diffuse lighting — (Chao Zhang)

Reducing solar loads with facade from Shenzen Energy Company — (Chao Zhang)

Refurbishing Hongqi Zhen Sugar Factory in China With Sustainable Features

Solar Roofs, Rainwater Harvesting, Geothermal Heating and Cooling and Low-Emissions Transport Modes - Sustainability is a Core Objective of the Project

08 June 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Green Building

The old and non-operational Hongqi Zhen Sugar Factory in Zhuhai, Jinwan District in China is all set to receive a makeover. The government has approved plans to revamp it into a cultural hub, which will have a central park, a sugar industry museum to commemorate the region’s former robust sugar industry, a hotel, a wedding venue, commercial offices and retail stores, sustainable power generation plants and what not!

Enhanced Sustainability Through Solar Roofs, Rainwater Harvesting, Geothermal Heating and Cooling + Low-Emissions Transport Modes

The 79,000 square-meter factory will be modernized by Woods Bagot, which will integrate new buildings while renovating the old ones. The idea is to keep the location’s old aesthetic value while adding a range of modern amenities that cater to various businesses and visitors in the best possible manner.

The project will be divided into three phases and completed in a total of ten years. The existing structures will first be renovated before adding new landscapes and buildings. The red brick towers of the retired industry will at the highest point of the location and act as a visual landmark.

Woods Bagot Hongqi Zhen Sugar Factory in China — (Woods Bagot)

The Southern China’s sugar industry began its production in 1960 and could survive only for about 43 years. The changes in the local economy led to the shutdown of sugar production in the region in 2003. There are plans to set up a sugar industry museum to honor this historically significant period.

The new buildings that will be added will not have more than three floors so that these don’t look out of the place along with the old structures. There are plans to include an outdoor venue for weddings, a boutique hotel, a chocolate factory, retail spaces and other commercial offices.

Making the complex environment-friendly and sustainable is a core objective of the project. The buildings will have solar roofs, geothermal heating and cooling, and rainwater harvesting. The transportation options will include bikes and water taxis that produce low-emissions.

China

Several Gardens And Green Roofs for Locale Recreation

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A 550 Square Meter Botanical Garden For Hong Kong’s Greenest School

Clever Window and Ventilation Design Reduces Energy Consumption

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“A Quiet and Green Oasis In a City With a Scarcity of Space”

Involving the Community

Role-Model Status?

Horizontal Skybridge, Called Conservatory, Soon The Highest Skybridge in The World

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The Conservatory – A City District in the Sky

Confronting Environmental Challenges

Make the most of natural daylight without heating the interior

Reduced Need for Artificial Lighting and Air Conditioning

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Enhanced Sustainability Through Solar Roofs, Rainwater Harvesting, Geothermal Heating and Cooling + Low-Emissions Transport Modes

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