The design of the UBTECH Headquarters is rooted in the harmonious integration of technology and nature. Within the building’s 212-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.

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.