Convoluted Transactions

The project develops a new urban proposal for a mixed-use district located within the Jinrongjie financial district of Beijing. The urban strategy re-describes the currently redundant modernist model into a more harmonious integrated woven network whereby the ground is delaminated into a three-dimensional multi level district.

Aiming to provide the necessary high-density development required for China’s economic development and rising urban population, the urban weave re-connects existing cellular high rise architecture with the increasingly alienated Hutong neighbourhoods. Roads and buildings no longer present physical obstacles hindering the progression of pedestrian and vehicular circulation, with the new woven construct harmoniously stitching the district together through a convoluted circulatory strategy encompassing a varied set of spatial and layered atmospheric conditions.

The urban strategy merges higher densities with increased amenity space whilst remaining deeply driven for the improved requirement in pedestrian transaction, pedestrian connectivity and district identity. Unique atmospheric effects are created by the volumetric layering of city elements, denoting individual district quarter identity and affecting navigational responses throughout the site. Promoting a lifestyle of living and working nearby, the project aims to reduce the modern Chinese preoccupation with the perceived reliance of the motorcar.

Where density is required to increase at key transactional nodes, the weave translates into a separate kind of architectural form. Vertical crystalline buildings optimised for vertical inhabitation and efficient inhabitation, provide a visitor with a completely different set of experiential effects. Both tower and convoluted circulation remain seamlessly integrated and uninterrupted in their individual goals whilst the tension created in the intemediate spaces of the two very different geometrical systems stimulate destination value and sense of place.

Responding to water shortages resulting from China’s unprecedented rate of urbanisation, rain water is collected by the tower facades and woven hardscape and distributed into new reservoir lakes concentrated at the base of the towers. Whilst providing an additional recreational and atmospheric condition for the Xicheng district, the collection, distribution and circulation of water from tower, to reservoir, to surrounding buildings is also utilised as a method for passive cooling. Real estate value is raised and a harmonious setting for residents to live and work is provided.