Star River Headquarters

The new Star River Headquarters stands as a remarkable addition to Guangzhou’s Pazhou Island business district, blending green spaces, covered walkways, and multi-level retail and commerce in a reimagined city block. This project signifies Pazhou Island’s transition from a historic trade hub to a modern commercial center, enriching the pedestrian experience and fusing landscape with urban space.

The headquarters, characterized by its parabolic taper and pleated facade, crafts a distinct skyline silhouette, serving as a contemporary centerpiece within a public plaza. The design seamlessly integrates lush landscaping, covered pedestrian arcades, and efficient connections to retail and transit, embodying a new class of Chinese urbanism that champions both functionality and aesthetics.

Challenge 1: The tower’s height and location exposed it to significant wind loads.
Solution 1: Embracing a tapering profile to reduce wind loads, enhancing structural stability.

Challenge 2: Ensuring spacious, column-free interiors for flexible office layouts.
Solution 2: Introducing rounded corners free of columns, maximizing lease spans, and allowing bright, open floor plans with panoramic views.

Challenge 3: Balancing energy consumption with maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
Solution 3: The pleated facade design shades the building, reduces solar radiation, and allows natural light penetration. High-performance curtain walls and thermal insulation improve cooling efficiency and occupant comfort, supplemented by operable panels for natural ventilation.

Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Photographs: Seth Powers