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Visuals by Atchain, © Zaha Hadid Architects
Through its exclusive design approach Zaha Hadid Architects have redefined design thinking and have introduced inventive design ideas to the practice of architecture over the years. As one of the world’s most renowned architectural firms, it seems to have become a viral brand as a result of its popularity even to recognition beyond the built environment. The firm has delivered unique projects relatively to residential, corporate, hospitality, recreation centers, art and culture etc. all over the world. A new one to be added in another unique design approach is the Daxia Tower located at the heart of Xi’an, one of China’s largest inland cities.
Zaha Hadid Architectsto build Daxia Tower in an ancient Chinese capital and Silk Road gateway city with a population of about nine million according to Designboom website. As a result of support from the government and the presence of universities and research institutions, the city has grown significantly in the recent years, as it has become a technology hub that’s attracting both national and international companies in the field like robotics, aerospace, and bio-pharmaceuticals.
The Tower emerges with a gently curving silhouette accentuated with patterned glazing and grand atriums that flood the interior with natural light. Creating a cascade of planted interior terraces, these atriums offer stunning views of the historic city to the north and east and the burgeoning high-tech zone to the south and west. Designed with data analytics and behavior modeling, the tower’s interiors prioritize adaptable and future-proofed workplaces, leveraging real-time analytics to create healthy and enjoyable environments for employees.
High-Tech Economic and Technological Development dominates Xi’an’s Southwest zone, as the area hosts the manufacturing and research centers of many Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations. At the center of this high-tech zone, on Jingye Road, Zaha Hadid Architects will construct the new Daxia Tower which is crucial in driving the economic growth of the region.
Daxia Tower occupies a 16,700 sqm site at the intersection of Jingye Road and Zhangbawu Road in the Yanta district of Xi’an. Rising to a height of 210 meters, it encompasses 127,220 sqm of office spaces, retail outlets, and other supporting facilities. The tower seeks to merge with the surrounding urban environment of the development zone, forming the heart of Xi’an’s business district, which features a collection of high-rise buildings housing corporate headquarters, commercial offices, international hotels, and residential developments.
Based on Xi’an’s climate nature, the tower aims for LEED Gold certification and China’s highest three-star rating in the Green Building Program, as it optimizes natural day lighting and ventilation through high-performance glazing with thermal coatings, reducing energy demand and enhancing efficiency. Integrated sensors and photovoltaic for renewable energy generation.
Natural ventilation is incorporated, and the lush terraces overlooking the atrium aid in purifying the air, reducing indoor pollutants, and promoting a healthier indoor environment. Through rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling, the tower minimizes water consumption and implements sustainable water management. A smart management system continuously monitors and optimizes energy consumption and environmental performance, adapting to occupancy patterns and weather conditions to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort for occupants. The procurement and construction of the tower prioritize the use of recycled and locally-produced materials from Xi’an and the surrounding Shaanxi province.
Project Info:
Name: Daxia Tower
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) | @zahahadidarchitects
Design: Patrik Schumacher
Location: Xi’an, China
Project Directors: Satoshi Ohashi, Paulo Flores
Associate: Yang Jingwen
Project Architects: Saman Dadgostar, Kai-Jui Tsao
Project Leads: Aiste Dzikaraite, Feifei Fan
Project Team: Billy Webb, Enoch Kolo, Felix Amiss, Hualing Jiang, Ignacio Garcia Martinez, Karina Linnsen, Liyuan Gao, Mingjia Zhang, Paul Joseph, Pittayapa Suriyapee, Sanxing Zhao, Siyu Liu, Tingyu Wang, Yuxuan Zhao
Sustainability Team: Bahaa Alnassrallah, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Shibani Choudhury
AI Team: Uli Blum, Lorena Espaillat Bencosme
Competition Visuals: Atchain | @atchain
Edited by: MJ | Buildace Magazine
