The design of the UBTECH Headquarters is rooted in the harmonious integration of technology and nature. Within the building’s 210-meter height is contained an innovative display of structure, mass, and vastly expansive sky gardens. The grand and expressive gardens allow for all floors of the mixed-use office building to have an interactive experience with nature, one that ultimately inspires the users of the building in a unique way.

The integration of nature within the building has been conceptualized around the ancient immortals of Chinese culture. These eight immortals embody the essential characteristics of Chinese fortune and fortitude. Within the tower there are eight gardens, each representing the unique quality and essence of the eight different immortals.

The different building components are connected by an expressive and integrated structural frame. The design of the structure and unique placement of the vertical transportation elements allows for an open, expansive, and multi-purpose floorplate. The perimeter frame not only provides an efficient approach to the structure, it becomes the primary connective element of the building.

Complementing the building structure, the massing of the tower is tied together with a textural screen composed of operable terracotta fins. The exterior screen provides a multi-faceted approach to the sustainability of the design by integrating adaptive solar shading with the use of robotic technologies and a responsive building system. The screen also provides an approach to water collection, giving the tower the ability to conserve water consumption by integrating a water reclamation system that is able to be used for the building landscaping and other essential grey water uses.

The UBTECH Headquarters is a true representation of design innovation. The building sets a new standard for the workplace of the future.

The Washington Park National Bank Building located in Chicago’s 20th Ward at 63rd & Cottage Grove was designed by architect Albert Schwartz in 1924. The once admired 4-story building has fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and abandonment. A redevelopment plan was established by current building owner Cook County Landbank and developer DL3 Realty to preserve two of the building facades while simultaneously enhancing the surrounding Woodlawn community.

The current plan is designed to turn the abandoned structure into a new 70,000 square foot, 5-story mixed-use building with office, retail, co-working, outdoor and food hall spaces. The mixed-use programming was heavily influenced by proactive local community organizations and partners that have been integral to the planning and vision of this development.

The existing building is in critical condition with the limestone and reinforced-concrete facade suffering from years of neglect and the interior spaces requiring complete replacement. The current design introduces a hybrid method that incorporates both new construction and preservation of two of the existing facades. This strategy requires a new structure to be constructed behind the existing facades, creating a pathway for the new building to succeed while honoring the building’s historic significance.

Located in Shenzhen, China, this building will serve as the new Headquarters for the TCL Advanced Semiconductor Display Industry. Shenzhen is a network of overlayed systems existing within nature. The design of the headquarters is an ode to the building’s use, acting as a semiconductor between progress, technology, and nature. The building reinforces linkages between the urban framework and the natural context, acting as a controller between these forces as an expression of harmony, health, and wellness.

The impression of the building on the site is minimal and light, allowing for the integration of nature and the human scale to be the foundation. Conceived as a building focused on interaction and integration, the primary massing is lifted from the ground. The activity and flow of the site are unobstructed and engaging. The Tower plugs into the site like a semiconductor, receiving flow and energy of people and mixing it with nature. The site is organized by the cross-flow of people moving from the urban context to the central park. The central passage is flanked by an entry plaza on each side and provides the main connection to the additional Retail Levels. The perimeter of the site is lined by a series of interactive gardens that provide the foundation of nature within the building. The primary building entry is engaging and focuses on the expression of art and culture. Shrouded by an expressive display, escalators take the building users up to a raised lobby that is situated among the rooftop gardens above the podium.

Animation Cultural City is a mixed-use campus for the creative community in Beijing, China, combining office, retail and parking with extensively landscaped spaces. Its buildings and landscape were designed to inspire both workers and visitors and to fuel creative energy.

Great consideration was given to the use of sunlight in this design. The building orientation, scale and façade detailing are used to optimize the amount of direct sunlight while allowing diffused light into office and retail spaces. Plazas, sunken gardens and other exterior areas provide shaded resting spots as well as sun-filled larger public spaces.

These public spaces and plazas provide ample outdoor areas for public and private gatherings in daytime and night, all seasons of the year. They create an enjoyable, lively environment with modern, sophisticated architectural appeal and aesthetic interest.

Ideally situated for its use as an office tower, 645 W. Madison is located between Chicago’s central business district—the Loop—and the West Loop, an emerging hub of business innovation and a popular destination for dining and nightlife. Bordered on the north by Madison Street, on the east by Desplaines Avenue and on the west by the Kennedy Expressway, the site is easily accessible via car, rail and bicycle.

The 19-story building consists of 15 office and two parking levels above a ground level containing 6,500 square feet of retail. A generous office lobby and building support areas—including an extensive bicycle facility—provide useful amenities.

Outdoor terraces are located at strategic locations throughout the building, including the east and west sides of the office amenity level. The top office level has a private roof terrace, and the building’s roof has a public terrace accessible to all building occupants.

The typical office floor plate has been designed with lease spans that allow for maximum flexibility and efficiency in planning and construction. The floor plan is organized by a rational grid, which is also carried through to the façade expression.

A modern composition of masonry with a punched expression, the façade references the historical brick architecture of the surrounding neighborhood. Its large expanses of glass maximize natural light.

The elegant use of materials in bKL’s design for the AVIC Headquarters exudes restrained sophistication. City views and natural light throughout the building enhance the practical requirements for an office, such as optimal efficiency in floor plans.

A large open plaza frames the building as a civic monument, where its form and lightness in skin are balanced with its position on the site and relationship to other buildings and the park.

Sustainable strategies include water reclamation and grey water systems as well as passive strategies to control solar gain. Daylight is admitted to interior spaces through a well-detailed curtain wall system of frameless, clear LoE glass. Its colored ceramic frit and a metal screen of aluminum and stainless steel provide shading and minimize heat gain.

Scientific Instrument Complex is located in the heart of Zhongguancun, the area of Beijing often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley. It is surrounded by world-renowned universities.

The office complex is designed to foster scientific and technological innovation. Six primary buildings enclose a garden courtyard, creating a refuge from the city for colleagues and visitors.

Work spaces are designed in varying scales and degrees of privacy. They encourage the interaction and collaboration that lead to new ideas and innovation. Public spaces and office support facilities serve the primary function of the complex.