By British architecture firm PLP has revealed its design for a significant complex situated in the heart of the Pearl River Delta in China. This expansive master plan encompasses four distinct structures: the Platform for Contemporary Arts, the Lizhi Park Tower, the Concourse, and the Nexus. Notably, the Nexus stands out as a towering centerpiece, soaring to a height of 600 meters, making it the tallest skyscraper in the region.
Nexus Building: A Towering Marvel
The Nexus Building, standing at an impressive 600 meters, is the focal point of the master plan. Unlike traditional bar or slab configurations, the Nexus Building adopts a unique design approach. Its mass is divided into smaller volumes organized into families, resembling a tripod or outrigger structure. This innovative design minimizes lateral loads and lifting requirements while promoting natural lighting, cooling, and flexibility within the workspace. Furthermore, the tower’s design adapts as it ascends in height, responding to its surroundings at different levels.
Complementary Structures
In addition to the Nexus Building, the master plan includes three other notable structures. The Platform for Contemporary Arts integrates a public space with a performing arts theater, boasting a seating capacity of 1700. Elevated from the ground, the Platform allows for public use of the space below while creating a striking visual feature with cascading water from the platform to the adjacent park.
The Lizhi Park Tower, reaching a height of 300 meters, serves as an office tower comprising two interlocking volumes. Its design cleverly integrates with the surrounding landscape, offering varied perspectives from different vantage points.
Connectivity and Integration
Facilitating connectivity between the buildings is the Concourse, which also accommodates large-scale retail and leisure amenities. This elevated bridge system, suspended 7 meters above the street, links the structures and seamlessly integrates with adjacent commercial areas and transportation networks.
PLP’s masterplan for the Pearl River Delta represents a bold and innovative approach to urban architecture, offering a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness.
