urbanus + ADEPT: the two towers

‘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.

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.

view of towers from the surrounding context

public ground levels between the towers

facade

interior of public ground levels between the towers

at night

model

site plan

elevation

elevation

outward views and structural diagram

program distribution diagram

wind forces diagram

site context diagram