Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has completed a 158-meter-tall, 33-story tower, located at the center of one of Shenzhen’s key business districts. The structure responds to the region’s tropical climate through a series of biophilic and sustainable design solutions. SOM was commissioned by Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank in 2012 to design a new headquarters that merges its past with its vision for the future.

SOM's work on this project included architecture, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, structural, and civil engineering.

The tower’s façade is defined by an external diagrid, which acts as both the building’s structure and solar shading element. At its base, the diagrid widens to create framed openings and views of the surrounding park and nearby South China Sea.

The design draws upon principles from Feng Shui, in which water and wealth are intrinsically linked. The lobby is encircled by a reflecting pool and features a wall of water adjacent to the main entrance. A 15 meter high “rain curtain”, in which droplets of water cascade down small translucent filaments, lines the lobby’s glass walls. These water features provide an evaporative cooling effect for the entire building. In addition, suspended lighting fixtures mimic droplets of rain, and the lobby’s marble walls shift from a textured to honed finish to evoke water’s effect on stone. 

Along with water, the elements of earth and air feature prominently throughout the building. A natural ventilation system brings fresh air into common areas and office spaces. Grey granite paving and seating areas, and arrays of trees and ground cover define the main entrance spaces and small gardens at the base of the building. The experience becomes more atmospheric as one progresses up the tower with its open floor plans and “floating” diagrid. At the top of the building, operable walls and an outdoor deck blur the division between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The vertical atria span the height of the structure. On each floor, employees can use louvres to open and close vents, allowing them to access fresh air from the atria. This feature generates significant savings in environmental and energy efficiency. Interior spaces are defined by a minimal glass perimeter wall and a daylight-responsive shading system. Finally, a stairway runs the height of the building. 

The new Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank Headquarters is LEED Platinum and is targeting China Green Star certification.