China Merchants Bank Headquarters in Shenzhen

Topping Out of the China Merchants Bank Skyscraper

The China Merchants Bank Headquarters, designed by the renowned British architecture studio Foster + Partners, has reached a significant milestone in Shenzhen. The skyscraper’s construction progress showcases its structural core and facades, which consist of ribbed steel and triangular glass panels. Once complete, this impressive tower will soar to a height of 388 meters and feature a distinctive staggered shape crowned with landscaped terraces.

Dual Facades: Tradition Meets Innovation

The north-facing facade adopts a simple rectilinear form, while the south facade takes a more dynamic approach. Inspired by traditional Chinese paper folding, the south facade features rounded vertical sections adorned with geometric glass panels. These curved windows not only provide spectacular views of Shenzhen Bay but also create a play of light and reflections, adding dynamism to the building’s appearance.

Passive Design Strategies

Foster + Partners meticulously developed the decorative steel and glass facade through an iterative modeling process. The design integrates passive systems, including natural lighting, solar shading, and thermal loads, to minimize reliance on active systems. The goal is to create comfortable interior environments for the bank’s 13,000 employees. Double-height atriums and landscaped terraces offer breakout spaces connected to the offices, enhancing staff well-being and productivity.

A Stepped Upper Portion

Renderings reveal that the skyscraper’s upper portion will be stepped, adding visual interest to the skyline. The tower’s unique design aims to capture the warmth of sunrise and sunset, ensuring that it never appears the same way twice.

Integration with Shenzhen Bay Development

The China Merchants Bank Headquarters is part of a broader development in Shenzhen Bay. A central axis will connect the skyscraper to a public park, while two plazas flanking the tower will host shops and restaurants. Foster + Partners’ portfolio includes other iconic structures, such as an office tower in Hollywood with spiraling terraces and a pair of residential skyscrapers in Dubai overlooking the bay.