gmp architekten: tower block complex of ten buildings in nanjing, china

'tower block complex of ten buildings' by gmp architekten, nanjing, china
image © cube
all images courtesy gmp architekten


hamburg-based practice gmp architekten has won first prize in the international competition and have been commissioned for
'tower block complex of ten buildings' to be positioned wthin nanjing, china. the 80,000 square meter site will contain a series
of highrises with an internal area of 500,000 square meters. a fourteen meter wide river traverses the site along with a 28
meter wide green belt connected to an underground transportation line. the perimeter buildings form a clearly defined central
plaza with pedestrian paths. the clockwise arrangement generates a windsail pattern with the seven towers of the outer ring
range from 120 to 200 meters while the inter three range from 130 to 150 meters.



sufficient space in the middle of the complex
image © cube


metal fins line the facades to rely on natural shading of interior spaces, increasing sustainability by conserving energy
while improving the well-being of the occupants. the vertical elements reduce solar heat gain by blocking low sun angles
from the east and west while large windows introduce daylight from the north and south. double skin enclosure systems
with counter sash windows allow individual adjustments to screen direct light, eliminated the need for protective glazing
and daytime use of artificial light sources. the color variations reference the subtle hues of the historic city wall constructed
with unique shades of burnt bricks.



up to twelve meter high windows offer panoramic views
image © cube



bird‘s eye view of the inner and outer ring
image © cube



site model
image © heiner leiska



site model
image © heiner leiska


project info:


design: meinhard von gerkan and nikolaus goetze
associated partner: marc ziemons
project management: jan blasko
team: matthias heck, bastian bartz, oliver könig, philipp schneider, mei pan, tim leimbrock
client: nanjing financial city construction and developement co. ltd.