2022 London Design Awards
The Dihao Financial Building is situated along the Bao’an North Road axis in Luohu, Shenzhen. As the new gateway landmark for the rapidly evolving Xinsungang area, it aims to set a benchmark for urban renewal and sustainable design in the region.
The Past and Present Lives of the Emperor
A snapshot of an era: Luohu Emperor Hotel, 1991 © network
In 1991, the Emperor Hotel opened at the intersection of Sungang Road and Bao’an North Road during Shenzhen’s reform and opening-up phase.
By 2016, the hotel was demolished to make way for redevelopment aligned with Shenzhen’s urban growth and the area’s functional upgrade.
Over the past 25 years, the area has witnessed Shenzhen’s rapid development alongside the ebb and flow of Sungang’s commercial prosperity.
In 2023, the reconstruction was completed, and the building was renamed the Emperor Financial Building, becoming the new gateway icon of the Sungang district.
New Gateway Image of Sungang District: Emperor Financial Building, 2023
Located at the northwest corner of Bao’an North Road and East Road in Shenzhen’s Luohu District, the redevelopment transforms the site into a super high-rise mixed-use complex, combining commercial, office, and residential spaces.
The site covers 5,042.31 square meters, with an above-ground construction area of 49,505 square meters. The tower rises to 199.92 meters with a floor area ratio of 9.82, representing the pinnacle of urban renewal projects featuring ultra-high capacity and high-density super high-rise towers.
Urban Micro Plots
Update Unit
A panoramic view of the block showcasing new high-rise buildings integrated within the urban fabric.
Design sketches by Zhao Guoxing, Chief Designer and Director/Chief Architect at Botao Architecture
This high-density, mixed-use tower addresses the challenges of urban renewal on small plots. The staggered slab design creates distinctive street corner landmarks along Sungang Road’s east-west axis and fosters a welcoming urban interface to the south.
Design sketches © Zhao Guoxing, Chief Designer and Director/Chief Architect at Botao Architecture
The interlocking north and south wings create a strong vertical emphasis and a taut facade, resulting in a tall, powerful, and iconic silhouette.
The design incorporates a pedestrian-vehicle separation on the ground floor: vehicular access is focused on the northwest side, while the southeast side remains open to the city.
The tower’s volume gradually expands from top to bottom, with curves unfolding like a flowing stream, creating a smooth and continuous form.
The building benefits from excellent landscaping and natural sunlight, meeting the needs of its multi-functional use.
Technological Breakthrough
Innovating with the “Z”-shaped core tube:
- Modular space design for high spatial efficiency;
- High structural stability through the “Z”-shaped core tube module;
- Maximizes the south-facing daylight surface while improving ventilation by reducing depth.
First floor plan featuring the Z-shaped core tube
Typical Floor Structure Layout
The tower’s standard floor plan features four frame columns along the Y-axis within the two limbs of the Z-shaped core tube. The podium incorporates suspended trusses and hanging columns to create a transparent and open base.
Schematic of V-shaped column replacements and 3D view of the fourth-floor podium
The ultra-high, variable inclined columns at the tower’s top produce a dynamic and elegant profile with graceful facade lines.
The “Z”-shaped core tube serves as the main structural module, connecting office and residential modules to create a new spatial combination that balances layout efficiency and functionality.
The tower comprises two identical rectangular office and residential modules arranged in parallel with a 3:1 depth ratio. The “Z”-shaped core tube links these modules into a cohesive whole, breaking traditional tower layouts and maximizing natural light and ventilation compared to conventional designs.
The Emperor Financial Building emphasizes harmonious form and function, integrating local culture with international standards. It offers efficient, flexible, and high-quality work, living, and leisure spaces designed with human-centered care. The project aims to fulfill diverse regional development needs and contribute significantly to the creation of the “New Luohu Reception Hall.”
Project Details
Project Name: Shenzhen Dihao Financial Building
Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Owner: Shenzhen Shunhao Industrial Co., Ltd.
Lead Designer: Zhao Guoxing
Team Members: Zhang Lei, Liu Mo, Zheng Feng, Huang Yuanqing
Construction Drawing Design: PTL Botao Lansen, PT International
Design Team: Wang Yajie, Wang Xingfa, Lin Chaowei, Cao Nen, Fang Feihu, Wu Yunze, Liang Hua, Huang Jianquan, Lei Zike, Lu Fen, Wei Songbai, Wen Bingji, Dai Jianru
Landscape Design: PTLA Botao Landscape
Architectural Photography: Chen Guiming, Wang Yang
Site Area: 5,042.31 square meters
Total Building Area: 84,738.20 square meters
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