Morphosis makes ‘Giant’ Chinese debut
Los Angeles-based Morphosis, led by Thom Mayne, is designing its first project in China - a Campus for Giant Group Pharmaceutical. To be located outside Shanghai, the 258,000 sq ft project accommodates a corporate headquarters in a sinuous form with a dramatic cantilever that spans a four-lane highway.
The futuristic design, which resembles a dinosaur ready to take flight, seamlessly integrates architecture with landscape and water. The building accommodates executive offices in the creature’s head while the body houses the remaining program elements including additional offices, a boutique hotel, exhibition hall, auditorium, library, gymnasium and swimming pool. Outdoor plazas provide a variety of recreational spaces for employees. The main circulation spine, an enclosed walkway located outboard at the second level, bridges the street to connect the office building with the clubhouse.
Like other Morphosis projects, the building incorporates many sustainable features including a green roof, a glass curtain wall with sun-shading capabilities and a system of skylights for natural lighting.
Completion is anticipated in 2009.
Sharon McHugh
US Correspondent
|
