MVRDV has secured the design contract for a commercial and residential complex located on the border of the financial district in Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, China. The project features two towers, each 150 meters tall, known as the “Oasis Towers.” These towers are enveloped by abundant greenery, creating a verdant sanctuary for residents amid the rapidly evolving high-density urban environment.
This development supports the rapid expansion of Nanjing, a major Chinese metropolis. In 2015, the government established Jiangbei New Area, extending the city westward across the Yangtze River. At first glance, the towers appear varied, with each floor shaped differently from the ones above and below. However, their design is rooted in efficiency and standardization, with most floors sharing nearly identical layouts, except for the curvature of the balconies.
The complex consists of two 40-story L-shaped towers positioned opposite each other on the north and south corners of the site. A 3- to 4-story podium encloses and connects the majority of the area, forming a central oasis. This podium seamlessly integrates the sidewalks and streets between two plots, making the lush central space a standout feature within the surrounding neighborhood.
Encased in trees and lush vegetation, the central oasis extends onto the building’s stacked terraces, creating a continuous green landscape. This environment also provides a vibrant shopping experience on the commercial floors from ground level to the third floor. The oasis plays a vital role in cooling urban heat and enhancing biodiversity.
The canopy acts as a natural divider, separating public spaces from private ones by creating a barrier between residents on the upper floors and shoppers below. Additionally, the landscaping bridges two plots divided by a central road, fostering a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. At the heart of the public area, greenery cascades down to the street level, linking directly to the subway station beneath the site and establishing a convenient transportation hub.
Some sections of the towers feature clean, grid-like exterior walls that resonate with the neighboring office skyscrapers. In contrast, other exterior surfaces flow with organic curves formed by balconies, terraces, roofs, and small pavilions. These pavilions are clad with recycled bamboo, adding a natural texture. Between adjacent balconies, flowerpots act as separators, ensuring the oasis’s natural beauty extends all the way to the rooftops.
“The inspiration for contemporary architecture in Nanjing is largely drawn from nature. For the Oasis Building, we aim to take this concept to its fullest—not only by paying homage through curved and layered ‘cliff-like’ forms but also by incorporating greenery and natural activities, truly integrating nature into the design.” – Winy Maas, Founding Partner of MVRDV
MVRDV further emphasizes the integration of nature through sustainable development strategies. The roofs, inaccessible to pedestrians, are densely planted with diverse vegetation to maximize biodiversity. Additionally, two 500-square-meter reed beds are incorporated into the roof design as part of the building’s wastewater treatment system, naturally filtering and purifying water.
The towers are oriented to take advantage of prevailing westerly winds, enhancing natural ventilation. Spacious, staggered balconies allow ample daylight while minimizing summer heat gain. Strategically placed trees provide additional shade during warmer months. Furthermore, the project employs water source heat pumps that leverage nearby river water to reduce energy consumption.
The Oasis Building was designed by MVRDV for Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Financial Center Development Co., Ltd. It occupies adjacent plots 18-34 and 18-35 within the overall plan of the Jiangbei Financial District. The architectural firm is currently advancing into the detailed design phase in collaboration with the client.
Project Drawings
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ Commercial Floor Plan
△ Apartment Floor Plan
△ Generated Graph
△ Conceptual Design
△ Urban Conceptual Design
△ Profile Diagram
△ Grey Water Recovery System
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