Firm： PEI Architects

Type： Commercial › Bank Office Retail Hospitality + Sport › Hotel

STATUS： Under Construction

YEAR： 2023

SIZE： 1,000,000 +

This building is designed as a pair of slender towers that are the focal point of the grand boulevard

approach which will frame views to the central lake at the heart of the Free Trade Zone and the ocean

beyond. Situated on the only island site in the lake the two slightly asymmetrical towers stand adjacent

to each other, separated by a taut vertical void but bound by a common podium. This design represents

the timeless modernity that is the hallmark of our firm and we believe its crisp, geometric form will stand

out as an iconic gateway for the Bank of China and Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

On this podium is an elevated entry plaza that serves as a dramatic drop off for visitors to the towers with

overlook views of the surrounding lake and Free Trade zone. This iconic pair of buildings will serve as

the symbolic gateway for the prosperous economic development of the Free Trade Zone in China and

the world beyond the horizon. Visitors approach the building via a long gently sloping arc ramp that takes

them from the grand boulevard entrance, across the channel and onto the island where they rise up to the

top of the retail podium to enter the towers or the banking hall that is the central space of the complex.

Below the podium is a premium retail complex that is integrated into the landscape and forms the base

on which the two towers rise. The towers themselves contain Class A office space and a branded 5

star hotel complex at the top of the northern tower. The exterior skin of the tower will be a sleek all glass

enclosure which will clad the building in the most energy efficient and technologically advanced glazing

available, providing the latest in thermal insulation and solar heat gain protection. The positioning and

shapes of the towers and podium are designed to minimize wind flow turbulence around the site while

maximizing views to the surrounding areas. A project of this magnitude is a testament to the continued

importance of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone to China and the Bank’s commitment to the greater economy.

We believe this opportunity to develop a world class hotel and office tower marks yet another milestone

in the exceptional growth this area has experienced as one of China’s most important developments.