BIAD_UFo: phoenix international media center

aerial view of the ‘phoenix international media center’ by shao weiping of BIAD_UFo under construction image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

designboom has just visited the construction site of the ‘phoenix international media center’ located in beijing, china. designed by chinese based shao weiping + BIAD_UFo, the multipurpose program will contain facilities for television programming, offices and various businesses. the curvaceous shell is conceptually derived from the mobius, a continuous strip with no beginning or end. an expansive glass facade wraps around the monumental atrium reaching a grand thirty meters in height creating a chimney effect to ventilating the spaces. separate sheltered rooms containing programmatic spaces protect individuals from direct sunlight.

a 55 meter high structural diagrid supports the expansive glass curtain wall bringing ambient light into the sweeping interior as well as maintaining a visual connection with the adjacent chaoyang park from the various levels of suspended promenades and streets. the steel ribs will channel water into a collection tank which will then be filtered and distributed into the surrounding water features and landscape. the double skin facade will reduce energy consumption and maintain comfortable temperatures within the building in winter and summer.

construction image © designboom

temporary supports are added to the structure to strengthen connections during construction image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

atrium under construction image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

interior promenade image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

arch structure for roof image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

structural steel wrapping the building image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

rendering of interior atrium image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

rendering entrance facade image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

street facade image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

floor plan / level 0 image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

floor plan / level 1 image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

section image courtesy of BIAD_UFo

(left) corridor (right) atrium space images courtesy of BIAD_UFo

(left) interior ‘street’ (right) upper level ‘street’ overlooking lower levels images courtesy of BIAD_UFo

this project is currently being exhibited as part of the ‘verso est’ – chinese architectural landscape at the MAXXI in rome, italy. curated by fang zhenning, the international exhibit for chinese art and architecture will continue though october 23, 2011.

project info:

project name: phoenix international media center location: beijing, china architectual firm (studio): shao weiping（executive chief architect of biad, director of biad ufo (un-forbidden office） design period: 2007-2009 construction period: 2009-2012 site area: 18821.83 m2 floor area: 64973 m2 above ground: 35000 m2 underground: 29973 m2 client: phoenix satellite television（east） beijing usage: media office, broadcasting studio, restaurants, parking garage, utilities and supporting facilities