Bruce Henderson Architects

A new destination in China…

MASTER PLANNING FOR DALIAN

The coastal geography provided endless inspiration for the master plan for a vibrant new destination in the seaport new economic zone of Dalian in Liaoning, China.

The rise and fall of the ocean

The master plan for the site located on reclaimed land just outside the city consists of three large mixed-use towers. The towers are connected by a raised retail complex, a 1,000 capacity auditorium and eight car showrooms which front the major roadway.

The form of the towers was derived from ocean tidal graphs that generated a dynamic and iconic ‘blanket’ to give the site a visual and architectural identity. 

This blanket informed the architecture of the showrooms while allowing ample pedestrian permeability through the site.

The result along the streetscape is dramatic and theatrical, defining the precinct as a new destination. 

Twisting towers and lush green sky gardens

The main tower stands at 400 metres above natural ground. Its form rotates 360 degrees in the lower portions before extruding directly up. The twists are emphasised by the visual connections with the verdant sky gardens that divide the floors plates into three.

A master plan for sustainable architecture

The triple-height spaces provide significant sustainable benefits, promoting passive ventilation techniques to reduce the environmental footprint of the tower.