Located in the heart of the Xihongmen business district along Beijing’s South Fifth Road the Xinchuang International Center by Aedas architects combines Grade-A office spaces, hotels and upscale retail. With ample greenery to cultivate a feeling of serenity and openness it is a carefully designed district. Expected to be finally complete in 2023, the first phase is already finished as of last year.

An urban park borders the south boundary of the site while the north encounters the entrance to a retail and commercial centre. The western plot of the project is designated for commercial offices while the eastern plot is occupied by retail, office space and a five-star hotel. The challenge for Aedas was ensuring that the overall design was unified and harmonious with these substantial differences in urban texture. 

West and East share a consistent architectural language and, when the project is complete, will be connected by aerial bridges that will allow visitors to commute easily. Adopting a people-centric design approach, The development integrates public and functional spaces through the use of uniquely scaled blocks. By sensibly placing the scaled blocks, the design reduces any sense of oppression and reduces blockage of natural light by the larger building blocks while creating open greenery to generate an ambience to the entire development.

The building outline adopts a geometrically linear form, tracking a north-south directional line to optimize natural light intake. The strong directional lines gradually transforms into a sloping form along the south boundary conjuring images of the natural erosion of stones in a riverbed. As the edges of the development smooth out to embrace the southerly urban park, the boundaries between inside and outside are blurred to create a peaceful atmosphere. 

A part of the city that could have easily sprung up as another busy city district. Instead, Aedas have and will continue to create a tranquil, beautiful and more sustainable space. One we look forward to seeing completed.

Article first appeared on IndesignLive Aus