Six years since construction began, Foster + Partners has completed the new headquarters for DJI, a leading drone and creative camera technology firm based in Shenzhen, China.
The architecture firm said that the two towers – 44 (105 metres) and 40 storeys respectively – are set to become a ‘heart of innovation’ for DJI and form a ‘creative community in the sky’.
Inside the headquarters, office and research spaces are arranged as floating volumes cantilevered from central cores, supported by large megatrusses and circular profiled steel suspension rods.
Such a system, rare for high-rise towers, was chosen to negate the need for internal columns and to allow for quadruple-height drone flight testing labs.
The building’s functions include offices, research labs, test flight area, staff training, and public facilities.
The towers are linked by a 90-metre-long suspension sky-bridge. At the top of the floating volumes, skygardens provide outdoor spaces for staff.
At ground level, the lifted volumes draw the surrounding greenery into the base of the buildings via a sloping green podium garden that is open to everyone.
Foster + Partners said the structure seeks to “redefine the design of tall buildings in the region, creating a prominent new landmark that celebrates Shenzhen’s place as a UNESCO City of Design”.
It added: “The design of the floorplate maximises daylight and views, improving comfort levels while reducing energy consumption.
“The innovative TWIN lift system reduces the number of shafts required and increases usable office floor area. Its intelligent control system also allows reduction of energy consumption during off-peak periods.
“Rainwater is harvested and stored for re-use, and greywater is recycled for irrigation. The landscaped areas absorb rainfall and act as buffer during monsoon season.”
Main image: Foster + Partners
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