Rather than create a series of buildings for the various uses of the complex, Holl Architects' has conceived a structure that combines all programming into one consistent vision. "Floating" horizontal bars of space have been designed to blur the connection between formal structure and function in an effort to enliven the ground level and surrounding landscape, thereby providing adequate open space that allows the area to evolve as needed.
The Vanke Center incorporates several sustainable elements. The floating buildings provide not only flexible space, but also a shaded landscape where sea and land breezes may pass through the site. To control heat, cooling lakes create a geothermal-cooled waterscape in the shadows of the buildings, and moveable facade screens made of special composites protect the inner glass against high solar gain as well as typhoons. The architects are also conducting additional research on solar power and geothermal cooling for other aspects of the project.
Steven Holl Architects, which has offices in New York and Beijing, typically emphasizes a sustainable approach to architecture. The firm's recent green projects include the Whitney Water Purification Facility and Park in Hamden, Connecticut and the Swiss Residence in Washington, D.C. Current projects include the Linked Hybrid mixed-use complex in Beijing, China, which contains 600 geothermal wells and employs a grey-water recycling system.
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