‘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.

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

gmp architekten: tower block complex of ten buildings in nanjing, china up to twelve meter high windows offer panoramic views image © cube

gmp architekten: tower block complex of ten buildings in nanjing, china bird‘s eye view of the inner and outer ring image © cube

gmp architekten: tower block complex of ten buildings in nanjing, china site model image © heiner leiska

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