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Architects: NBBJ
- Area: 2010 m²
- Year: 2010
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Photographs:Paul Dingman
Text description provided by the architects. Hailed as one of China’s top 10 new urban landmarks NBBJ's design of Yanlord Landmark sets a new standard for high-end retail, work, and residential space in Chengdu. Yanlord Landmark was selected by the China Index Academy and China Index Research Institute as one of China’s Top 10 New Urban Landmarks two years in a row (2008-2009 and 2009-2010).
Project description and images after the break.
Located in the heart of Chengdu’s Central Business District, Yanlord Landmark is a mixed-use development in what has become a key economic, transportation, and communication hub in Southwestern China. Designed as a premiere destination for life, work, and culture, Yanlord Landmark will serve the needs of a growing number of business delegates, both local and international. The prominent site – bordered by Renmin Nan Road, a major north-south city axis, on the west and situated between the Sichuan Exhibition Center and the Jin River – allows the complex to function as a landmark and focal point within the city.
The project consists of two towers containing offices and residential units that rise from a retail, entertainment and cultural podium. The towers are oriented to maximize uninterrupted views and minimize solar exposure.
To balance developer goals with the client and city’s desire for an expressive architectural landmark, the design team based the tower forms on a simple and efficient floor plate. The form and identity of the complex is created by the cladding of the simple tower volume in a glass façade articulated as a continuous wrapping surface. Formally, the tower façade serves to unify the towers with the podium creating a single, cohesive architectural expression. At the scale of the city this façade identifies the development within the city and along the skyline. At street level, the façade folds out over the sidewalk welcoming residents, visitors, and office workers and defining major entry points.
The design of the site is based on the urban context and local traditions that celebrate the relationship between man and nature. The metaphor of water carving through the many valleys surrounding the city of Chengdu drove the design and configuration of the retail podium. Carved out niches became plazas, entries, or setbacks drawing the vibrancy of the city through the site. The porosity at the ground level activates the interior spaces of the site promoting an exciting and successful mixed-use environment.
