The Rhythm of Waltz
Nanjing, once the capital of six dynasties, is now one of the largest economic zones of China, the infamous Yangtze River Delta. Surrounded by the Yangtze River and mountains, Nanjing enjoys beautiful natural scenery and more than a thousand year of history. Today it is a major economic and cultural center of China and also an important transportation hub. In 2014 here will be held Summer Youth Olympic Games. The proposed 380 meter tall sunning tower named Nanjing Hexi Olympic Plaza designed by architectural company Aedas is to be located in Olympic City, the CBD of Nanjing Hexi. The site is surrounded by the Nanjing International Convention Center and the Olympic Stadium and two towers that are currently under construction; the Jinao Tower and the Jindi Tower. After completion, it will redefine the skyline of Hexi CBD , transforming Hexi into the new city center of West Nanjing.
After a thorough analysis of CBD existing buildings, the design team of Aedas created a unique design to maximize the commercial value of the site. The proposed 380 meter tall Nanjing Hexi Olympic Plaza will consist of commercial, entertainment, residential, cultural and waterfront recreational area. The site is conveniently located by the intersection of Metro Line 1 and 2. The most arresting characteristic is that it is conceptually not one structure, but an intertwining of two inspired by the traditional notion of ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ and the famous Rodin sculpture, ‘The Kiss,’ the architects created a pair of plaza that overlap and twist in concert as they rise.
They are sensual, complimentary yet distinct, with contrasting skins of stone-andglass and steel-and-glass respectively symbolizing ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ characteristics. With its sophisticated curves, radii and layers, the building seems to transform itself with every change of perspective, with its surface accentuating the effect as it reacts to the play of natural and artificial light. Viewed from certain angles it brings to mind the side-slit of a ‘qipao’ dress, reminiscent an image of a dancing couple.
The outward flare of the overlap also forms a natural entranceway into the podium, and creates an integral sunshade along its entire height. As impressive as the view from Nanjing Hexi Olympic Plaza, the view toward the building will be the most transfixing for the viewers. Few architectural works can compare to its power of expression – as a symbol of Nanjing, China’s storied culture and dynamic future, and of potential architecture itself.
The underground plaza attracts customers whom are conveniently brought in by the nearby metro station, maximizing the commercial value. Grand steps provide communicative and interactive space for people. The round-shape courtyard provides customers with open visual space. The curve skylight brings the dynamic changing of sunlight into the inner space. The Service apartments’ twin towers provide good facing and ventilation. Panorama restaurant on the top provide a 360 degree view of the whole Nanjing city.
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Materials provided by architectural company Aedas