Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, is not only the starting point of the ancient Silk Road but also a crucial cradle of Chinese civilization and culture. Led by Lin Jingheng and David Clayton, global design directors at Aedas, the team developed the Nan Fei Hong Le Hui Center—an integrated commercial, hotel, and office complex located in the heart of Xi’an’s Yanta District, adjacent to the South Third Ring Road. Situated within a residential neighborhood with convenient public transport, the project is also near renowned landmarks such as the Shaanxi TV Tower and Xi’an Museum.
This project represents a novel approach to blending commercial development with green ecology. The design employs vibrant colors, sculptures, and lush vegetation to create a dynamic, breathing urban ecological commercial complex that contrasts sharply with Xi’an’s typically calm and monochromatic cityscape.
A Living Urban Ecological Commercial Hub
The complex consists of two mixed-use towers housing offices and hotels, alongside a commercial podium topped with a rooftop garden. The podium stands independently from the towers and offers easy access.
The design integrates nature into the urban fabric, drawing inspiration from Xi’an’s four seasons, its flowers, and mountainous terrain. These elements influence the podium’s public spaces, the interior of the towers, and the overall facade and canopy design.
△ Functional Layout
△ Overall Site Plan
Garden City Concept
The design team took cues from the podium’s spatial characteristics and the seasonal flowers—plum, orchid, bamboo, and lotus—to create a commercial podium divided into four zones themed around the seasons. The design features numerous horizontal elements like green belts and L-shaped aluminum troughs, complemented by vertical elements such as aluminum grilles to produce a rich, layered landscape.
△ Regional Division Based on Flowers and Seasons
Indoor Green Oasis
Inspired by the garden city concept, the design creates a coherent green space experience with a clear circulation path. The courtyard is enveloped by flowers, plants, and trees, complemented by a glass dome that cascades like a waterfall from the rooftop and an iconic flying staircase, offering a unique spatial experience.
At the heart of the atrium, the funnel-shaped glass dome not only collects rainwater for recycling but also functions as a 360-degree screen for immersive light shows. Surrounding the dome are layers of bamboo grilles that guide visitors to various areas. On the southern side, asymmetrical stepped greenery rises gently along a water feature, resembling fallen leaves and offering visitors a distinctive landscape to enjoy.
△ Courtyard Space
△ Public Gathering Area
The design encourages visitors to access the rooftop garden through a well-planned spatial flow, walking along paths through lush greenery to reach the central sky theater. This rooftop space is designed to support diverse social interactions and commercial activities, enhancing its value.
△ Sky Theater
△ Commercial Podium Entrance Featuring ETFE Canopy
Located adjacent to two busy intersections, the commercial center incorporates two sunken plazas to efficiently manage pedestrian traffic while guiding visitors to the underground areas. A massive LED screen transforms one of these plazas into a lively public theater for events, enhancing the vibrant commercial atmosphere.
△ Sunken Plaza
△ Giant LED Screen
A long skylight runs along the atrium, flooding the mall with natural light, improving indoor illumination, and reducing energy consumption. In addition, abundant indoor greenery enhances air quality, promotes natural ventilation, and creates a pleasant environment for visitors.
△ Atrium Skylight
City of Flowers
The two towers reflect the “City of Flowers” concept. Their facades combine reflective and transparent glass, producing a richly textured effect with subtle variations. Inspired by flower buds, the towers feature conical shapes with gentle curves that maximize the efficient use of space between Grade-A office and hotel buildings. They seamlessly integrate with the podium contours, together forming an urban oasis.
Building Form Inspired by a Flower Bud
The office lobby features distinctive LED screens that echo the commercial podium’s facade. The facade design unfolds horizontally, with layers stepping back from top to bottom, creating a dynamic and engaging office environment.
△ Office Lobby, First Floor
△ Lobby Entrance
△ Office Entrance
Lin Jingheng expressed, “We aim to establish Nan Fei Hong Le Hui Center as a landmark commercial hub featuring diverse functional spaces. It will support Xi’an’s vibrant growth and offer residents an immersive spatial experience unlike any other.”
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Cross-Section Diagram
△ Cross-Section Diagram
△ Cross-Section Diagram
Project Details
Project: Nan Fei Hong Le Hui Center
Location: Xi’an, China
Architect: Aedas
Owner: Shaanxi Nanfeihong Industrial Co., Ltd
Building Area: 195,000 square meters
Status: Under Construction
Main Designers: Lin Jingheng, Global Design Director; David Clayton, Global Design Director
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