zaha hadid: galaxy soho in process

‘galaxy SOHO’ by zaha hadid architects, beijing, china image © designboom

designboom recently visited the construction site for the ‘galaxy SOHO’ project designed by london-based zaha hadid architects in beijing, china. under way and moving towards completion, the exposed concrete structures are acquiring their cladding of glass curtain wall units. the lower levels of the four undulating towers are allotted for retail and entertainment spaces while office and work areas are positioned within the middle of the buildings. panoramic views of the great avenues are offered from the highest floors dedicated to bars, restaurants and cafes. a series of elevated and enclosed pedestrian pathways bridge the voids between the structures. devoid of corners, this fluid configuration reinvents the classical chinese courtyard creating a continuous internal arrangement within the heart of the urban landscape.

see designboom’s original coverage of this project’s early schematic and design development phases.

view from pedestrian bridge image © designboom

view approaching the complex image © designboom

entry path image © designboom

lobby image © designboom

stair to rooftop of lobby image © designboom

view of recessed plaza from roof image © designboom

construction on plaza level below gradeimage © designboom

perimeter scaffolding image © designboom

before installation of curtain wall units image © designboom

one of the towers image © designboom

bridges for construction workers image © designboom

construction equipment image © designboom

safety fences at each level image © designboom

pedestrian bridge between two towers image © designboom

installation of curtain wall units image © designboom

curtain wall units image © designboom

model image © designboom

model image © designboom