Located in Chengdu’s prosperous and rapidly expanding business district, the innovative office building design for Pinncale One by Make Architects will be an impressive addition to the growing urban landscape, known as the financial hub of Western China. Currently under construction, the new international Grade-A office tower forms part of the Chengdu Daci Temple Cultural and Commercial Complex, a mixed-use development by Sino-Ocean Land and Swire Properties. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Pinnacle One is representative of Make’s work in China. The building offers generously proportioned spaces with high levels of flexibility throughout. The unique floor layout locates the lifts and stairs on both sides of the building, providing a large, open floor plan that is rarely seen in office buildings. The design features a 130-metre long stainless steel canopy and 30-metre high atriums covered by glass roofs. The sleek aluminum and glass exterior ensures an energy efficient building as well as providing occupants with spectacular views of some of the city’s landmarks. Through these striking design elements, Pinnacle One will set new standards for office architecture in Chengdu.
John Puttick, Partner and Lead Architect of Make’s Beijing studio said, “The concept behind the design is to create a refined, streamlined building that enhances the Chengdu skyline and minimizes environmental impact in an intelligent way. The building has been finely crafted to the requirements of its occupants and to improve the public realm for the city. At Make, we approach each project with a priority always given to the environment and local communities.”
Minimizing the building’s energy use was considered from the outset of the design process for the simple yet elegant and sustainable Pinnacle One building. The core of the building is moved to the edge, which ensures that the office spaces are shaded from the hot south and west sun. The building’s high performance facade is made up of 70% insulated panels; glazing has been positioned carefully to provide maximum natural light to the office spaces and lobbies while preventing excessive solar gain. “Pinnacle One” together with Daci Temple Cultural and Commercial Complex are targeting to earn certifications for LEED ND Stage 2 Gold and Chinese Green Building Evaluation Label 2-Star for the wider development.
The project has carefully been designed to take into consideration the usability and the surrounding areas. It also contributes to Chengdu’s streetscape with sunken gardens for cafes and restaurants, planting of new trees, and the creation of a pedestrian route linking the nearby subway station with a new green park at the north of the site.
Chengdu, the capital city of China’s south western province Sichuan, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Like many cities in China, Chengdu has experienced rapid economic growth resulting in waves of urban development. In 2010, Chengdu was ranked No.1 by Forbes as the world’s fastest growing city in the next 10 years, and was listed in Fortune as one of the top 15 global emerging business cities in 2011. The Chengdu Daci Temple Cultural and Commercial Complex jointly developed by Sino Ocean Land and Swire Properties will give Chengdu a new cultural and commercial landmark for the city. As part of the commercial complex, Pinnacle One will offer unique services that accommodate daily business needs and very best in lifestyle and entertainment.
