SOM: zhengzhou greenland plaza

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SOM: zhengzhou greenland plaza

Jan 18, 2013

first image
'zhengzhou greenland plaza' by SOM, zenghzou, china
images courtesy of SOM

crowning the skyline of the emerging city of zhenghou, SOM's 'zhengzhou greenland plaza' uses scientifically derived mechanisms to provide the ideal
working conditions throughout the 60-storey office and hotel building. the circular structure was conceived as a column, alluding to the powerful classical symbol
but incorporates sophisticated systems that clearly define it's intentions towards the future. sections of painted aluminum screens three to five stories tall
wrap the exterior envelope, separated one to two meters from the curtain wall. the state-of-the-art shades posses an outward cant that plays with the effect
of porosity depending on your proximity to the tower. more importantly, they allow views to the exterior while constantly protecting the glass skin from
direct sunlight and over excessive solar gain, at the same time engineered to reflect indirect light into the interior. another innovative device is the heliostat
located on the top of the building. SOM's design director ross wimer explains that 'like the solar screening, the heliostat is a scientifically-derived element that
enhances the experience of daylight for the building’s users.' the mechanism reflects light deep into the tower's central atrium whose surface finishes further
assist in making sure the more centrally-located spaces receive natural light. a computer-controlled dimmer switch regulates the amount of light accepted into
the atrium to maintain a comfortable visual environment.

illuminated aluminum screens

tower stands as an icon for the city

the angle from which the tower is viewed reveals different transparencies

(left) central atrium
(right) aluminum louvers

interior office space

rooftop heliostat

project info:

floor area: 2.59 million ft2
program: offices on the lower floors, 416 room hotel above
height: 60 stories / 280 m / 919 ft
location: northeast zhengzhou

danny db

01.18.13

SOM (15 articles)

A delicate paper lantern by night.
A monstrous cooling tower by day.
I like it!

Mike Jackson says:

Jan 19, 2013

Reply
Skyscraper design has come a long way to make them ‘local’. Love the asian influence. Lovely by night, and an abomination by day.

LincolnHo says:

Jan 24, 2013

Reply
It looks similar to the new tower Jean Nouvel designed in Doha.

Khaled says:

Jan 30, 2013

Reply

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