Shanghai Pudong Development Bank New Office stands aside Huangpu River

Pudong district has been an incubator for international enterprise headquarters since Expo 2010 Shanghai. Aedas Global Design Principal Ken Wai and Executive Director Fei Li Shen joint venture with Tongji Architectural Group, designing a green office that sits along the Huangpu River and Expo Avenue.

The project is located at the eastmost of the World Expo Site of Pudong New District. Standing on the embankment of Huangpu River, it enjoys the spectacular lakeside view and rich natural resources of parks and green belts.

In response to the importance of the site and function of the project, the design approach is to create an understated, minimal, and elegant architectural statement. The design uses a simple linear form and integrates with the urban fabric. Reflecting the sunset on the ripples, the towers have fluid façades that represent the infinite future potentials of the company.

The twin towers have different heights and connect each other through a public lobby space. The façade uses vertical lines defined by a pure and minimalistic expression of granite and glass of various apertures. ‘The towers have created a unique urban fabric, outlined by a neat and simple architectural form and embraced a 6-storey tall conical lobby on a slanted site.’ Fei Li said. The stepping mass responds with the surroundings, creating a vibrant gateway to the financial district.

Adaptive and flexible layouts are adopted to cater the variations in business types. Flexible working spaces are created, as well as an exhibition area on the ground and a VIP viewing deck on the top. The interactive internal public spaces create an efficient, collaborative office that enjoys a splendid landscape view.

‘Incorporating high efficiency, functionality and local culture, the new office achieves prominence in the urban context with a visually simple design.’ Ken Wai concludes.