‘the two towers’ by urbanus + ADEPT, shenzhen, china all images © urbanus + ADEPT all images courtesy of urbanus + ADEPT

 

 

 

chinese practice urbanus and danish firm ADEPT have collaborated to create ‘the two towers’, the winning proposal for an international skyscraper competition in shenzhen, china. these new additions to the already impressive city skyline place a greater emphasis upon its integration and contributions to the urban spaces at the street. a public zone will link the pair of headquarter buildings, the minsheng financial tower and the adjacent CDB tower. reaching heights of 120 and 150 meters, the outward form of the structures take a back seat to the enlivened and activated connecting ground levels. the subtle differences of the exteriors accommodate the different identity of each tenant while the base generates a shared and unified image.

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers aerial view of the complex

 

 

 

at the base, smaller scale shifted volumes are arranged around a sunken plaza creating a shaded space for employees of the adjoined companies. gardens filled with vegetation are placed above each of the stacked blocks create micro-climates with diverse experiences. the translucent glass enclosures contrast the stone load-bearing facades above which are designed to react to changing weather conditions offering a dynamic appearance throughout the day. atriums are distributed within the column free interior at different elevations offering views of the surroundings.

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers view of towers from the surrounding context

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers public ground levels between the towers

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers facade

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers interior of public ground levels between the towers

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers at night

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers model

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers site plan

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers elevation

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers elevation

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers outward views and structural diagram

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers program distribution diagram

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers wind forces diagram

urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers site context diagram