Green Super High-Rise | Suzhou Zhongnan Center
Suzhou, China | 780m | 511,000 m²

The Green Super High-Rise project for Suzhou Zhongnan Center is a 780-meter-tall tower located in the historically rich city of Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. With a total floor area of 511,000 m², the project comprises workplace, hotel, retail, and residential spaces, creating a dynamic and multifunctional vertical city. The design’s scale and complexity were deeply influenced by Suzhou’s heritage as a silk trade hub and its iconic water town landscape, defined by canals, bridges, and traditional gardens.

My role in this fantastic project spanned various stages of design development, including conceptual massing, facade design, sections, plans, site planning, and the creation of a physical model. The primary tools used during this process were Rhino, Maya, and V-Ray, allowing for the exploration of fluid, dynamic forms, and detailed visualizations.

The design process for the Suzhou Zhongnan Center began with an overarching goal: to create a tower that not only functioned as a modern, cutting-edge structure but also respected Suzhou’s cultural and architectural legacy. Suzhou is renowned for its classical gardens and historic streetscapes, and our objective was to ensure that this new super high-rise integrated seamlessly into the urban fabric while still standing as an architectural icon.

One of the main challenges in the design of this Green Super High-Rise was creating a harmonious relationship between the tower’s immense height and the more human-scaled podium. To address this, we explored the concept of smaller, ascending volumes that transition from the ground level to the tower itself. This approach helped to bridge the scale difference between the tower and its surroundings, allowing for a more cohesive integration with the urban landscape.

During the initial design stages, I conducted rapid studies inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum in New York. Specifically, I explored the idea of a spiraling ground plane that ascends upwards, not just as a building feature but as a landscape gesture. This spiral forms an urban park that weaves into the program of the tower, allowing for a continuous flow from the ground level into the upper sections of the building. This design not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also reinforces the idea of a public space that is interconnected with the tower’s functions.

Incorporating sustainability was another key priority in the development of the Suzhou Zhongnan Center. The Green Super High-Rise approach included strategies such as green terraces and roof gardens throughout the tower’s ascending volumes. These green spaces contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect, enhancing biodiversity, and creating recreational areas for building occupants. Additionally, energy-efficient facade systems were designed to manage solar gain and optimize natural ventilation, contributing to the building’s sustainability goals. The green terraces provide a visually appealing and functional solution for integrating nature into the towering structure.

The tower’s facade was designed to reflect Suzhou’s history as a water town, with a sleek, undulating surface that resembles rippling water. This not only serves as a nod to the city’s past but also introduces a sense of fluidity to the otherwise rigid skyscraper. The facade also balances transparency and solidity to achieve optimal environmental performance, reducing energy consumption while providing expansive views of Suzhou’s skyline and surrounding waterways.

At the ground level, the podium houses a mix of retail and public spaces that activate the street and create a vibrant urban environment. The use of smaller volumes and interconnected public spaces encourages pedestrian movement and engagement, transforming the podium into a hub of activity. The ground-level spaces are complemented by the inclusion of the spiraling urban park, which seamlessly integrates nature into the design and provides a unique public amenity for both residents and visitors.

The Green Super High-Rise Suzhou Zhongnan Center is more than just a super-tall structure; it is a symbol of modern sustainability, cultural respect, and urban integration. Through careful planning and innovative design, this project aims to set a new standard for super-tall buildings, blending architectural ambition with environmental responsibility.