Green Super High-Rise | Financial City – Phase II, Supertall High-Rise
Nanjing, China | 868,000 m² GFA

The Super High-Rise Financial City – Phase II is an ambitious mixed-use supertall high-rise development in the heart of Nanjing, China, covering a massive 868,000 m². The project integrates a range of functions, including workplace, hotel, retail, and residential spaces, creating a dynamic vertical urban center within one of China’s most historically significant cities. My role in this iconic development involved conceptual massing, facade development, and site planning, utilizing cutting-edge tools such as Rhino3D, Grasshopper, and V-Ray to deliver both technical precision and architectural creativity.

The conceptual approach for this project was rooted in the cultural and natural context of Nanjing. The design director, following a visit to Nanjing, was captivated by the Yuhua stone, a highly regarded type of stone native to the region. Yuhua stone holds significant cultural and historical importance in Nanjing, known for its smooth, rounded forms and vibrant, polished surfaces. The main inspiration for the tower’s design came from this unique stone, resulting in an architectural concept where the building was imagined as a series of stacked oval shapes. These smooth, fluid volumes evoke the beauty and elegance of Yuhua stone, while also referencing the segmented nature of ancient Chinese towers, bringing together cultural history and modern design.

As the project developed, I explored ways to stay true to this concept while advancing the design in a more contemporary direction. The challenge of designing a supertall structure, especially one reaching such extraordinary heights, is balancing form with function. The higher the building rises, the more structural support it requires. This can often compromise the quality of the interior spaces, particularly at the lower levels, where the need for support columns and reinforced structures reduces the usable area.

To address this, I investigated strategies for optimizing both the aesthetic quality and the structural integrity of the tower. Drawing on successful precedents in other tall towers, I explored the idea of placing the structural system along the exterior perimeter of the building. By doing so, the structure becomes a visible part of the architectural expression while also freeing up valuable interior space. This approach minimizes the need for internal columns and allows for more open, flexible floor plans, particularly in the lower levels where leasing space is often a critical factor. The exterior structure also provides an opportunity for cost savings in terms of construction materials, making the project not only architecturally innovative but also financially efficient.

In my design process, I sought to ensure that the tower was not merely defined by its shape but that the structure itself became an integral part of the overall architectural narrative. Inspired by the works of Santiago Calatrava, I began to see the structural system as a key element of the building’s identity. Rather than hiding the structure, I wanted it to stand proudly as part of the design. The exterior structure was carefully integrated into the facade, creating a harmonious relationship between form and function. This not only enhanced the visual impact of the tower but also reinforced the connection between the building and its cultural inspiration—the smooth, organic forms of the Yuhua stone.

The result is a facade that speaks to both the historical and the modern. The tower’s exterior reflects the fluid, natural shapes of the Yuhua stone while embodying the rigor and precision required in contemporary supertall structures. The structural elements themselves become a visual feature, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow across the facade, while also contributing to the building’s overall performance.

Additionally, sustainability was a key consideration in the development of Financial City – Phase II. As part of the Green Super High-Rise approach, the tower incorporates green building strategies, including energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials. The exterior structure, while providing aesthetic value, also plays a role in reducing energy consumption by optimizing solar shading and natural ventilation. Green terraces and rooftop gardens are integrated into the design, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment and offering residents and office workers access to natural spaces within the tower.

At the ground level, the podium hosts a mix of retail and public spaces, designed to activate the street and create a lively urban atmosphere. The public areas encourage pedestrian movement and provide open spaces for community interaction, integrating the tower into the fabric of the city.

In conclusion, Financial City – Phase II represents a seamless fusion of cultural heritage, modern architectural innovation, and sustainable design principles. By taking inspiration from Nanjing’s rich history and its natural beauty, this project stands as a testament to the future of supertall architecture—a building that is both visually striking and environmentally responsible.