"The great interior courts of the project are a reflection of traditional Chinese architecture where courtyards create an internal world of continuous open spaces," the architects point out. "Here, the architecture is no longer composed of rigid blocks, but instead comprised of volumes which generate a deep sense of immersion and envelopment. As users enter deeper into the building, they discover intimate spaces that follow the same coherent formal logic of continuous curvelinearity."
The lower three levels of the building house public facilities for retail and entertainment. The levels immediately above provide work spaces for clusters of innovative businesses, while the top of the building houses bars, restaurants and cafés, while simultaneously offering views along one of the city's avenues. "These different functions are interconnected through intimate interiors that are always linked with the city, helping to establish Galaxy SOHO as a major urban landmark for Beijing," state the architects.
Zaha Hadid Architects: Galaxy SOHO
Client: SOHO China
Program: Mixed-use Commercial Building (Office & Retail)
Construction: 2009 — 2012
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