Business

Towering new architectural icon on Shanghai's dynamic skyline

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-16 08:00

(Top): The 61-storey iconic new building with prestigious location on Nanjing West Road. (Above): Large reflecting pool with a custom sculpture at the ground floor of Wheelock Square.

An iconic new building - the 61-storey tower, Wheelock Square - is now the tallest structure in the Puxi district, dominating downtown Shanghai's business, entertainment and residential center. The arrival of this truly international-grade office tower has redefined the landscape of the vibrant business district of Shanghai and further enhances Shanghai's dynamic skyline.

Designed by award-winning New York-based architectural firm, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), Wheelock Square creates a striking vision in the heart of vibrant Nanjing West Road and has become Shanghai's most sought after new corporate address.

The sleek tower also raises the bar in sustainable building techniques, contemporary urban aesthetics and premium Grade-A office space, and represents the pinnacle of corporate design in one of the world's most dynamic commercial centers.

Towering 270 meters over Jing'an Central Business District, Wheelock Square overlooks the green landscape of Jing'an Park, the historical Jing'an Temple and bustling commercial precinct of Nanjing West Road. An impression of panorama of Jing'an district blend of modern and ancient architecture combined with stunning views of the rest of Shanghai offers a commanding position in one of the Puxi's tallest buildings.

"Wheelock Square is innovative, elegant, and sustainable by design. It is the perfect representation of quality design in today's modern working environment," says Robert Whitlock, KPF principal and chief architect of Wheelock Square.

Night view of the Wheelock Square, the tallest new skyscraper in Puxi district. Photos provided to China Daily

"Our architectural solution for Wheelock Square responds to the adjacencies and energies of this major cultural and commercial intersection of Shanghai, taking into consideration the existing road, the neighboring Jing'an Temple, Children's Place, and Jing'an Park. Its simple yet dynamic form enhances the fabric of this great city."

"The decision to build a single-use office building in lieu of a denser mixed-use development allows for a much more inviting landscaped pedestrian environment."

Wheelock Square's sleek, symmetrical lines and contemporary design elegance are combined as a singular, sculptural form rising from a richly landscaped plaza. At the top of the tower, the glass curtain wall extends as a series of planes that rise as they move away from the sculpted corner, while at the base of the tower the exterior glazing folds out from the vertical surfaces above to form both canopy and loggia for those approaching the lobby. Viewed from the ground, the Wheelock Square tower sits on a square stone base raised several steps from the surrounding plaza.

"The folded surface articulation is derived from the ancient Chinese art of paper folding, and allows a modern interpretation of a traditional Eastern concept," says Whitlock.

The 2,000-square-meter south annex is connected to the main tower by a covered walkway, and forms an intimate space for outdoor dining between its own mass and the tower lobby. At the northeast corner of the site, facing Nanjing West Road and Jing'an Temple, is a large reflecting pool with a custom sculpture.

Sustainability was an important concern. Championing environmentally friendly architecture in Shanghai, Wheelock Square has utilized a low-emissivity glass facade that maximizes the natural light penetration into the building and helps prevent heat loss.

"The balance of daylight and glazing creates a perfect working environment within the building," says Whitlock.

Other signature green design elements include water-saving taps throughout the building, the use of LED lights in the public areas, independent fresh air intake on all floors, and a 24/7 building management system that controls the efficiency of lighting, air-conditioning and energy usage. Aside from its own landscaped gardens, the tower is surrounded by a green belt comprising the Jing'an Park and grounds of the Shanghai Children's Palace next door.

Covering a developed floor area of 150,000 square meters, the Wheelock Square complex comprises a 61-storey main tower (with 50 office floors), a four-storey north annex accommodating high-end retail flagship stores, and a two-storey south annex hosting a collection of food and beverage outlets.

Inside the main tower, Wheelock Square showcases state-of-the-art design specifications and premium provisions for its privileged tenants. These features include ceilings that are the highest of any modern office tower in Shanghai, extending to 3.05 meters, and high-specification floor plates stretching to 2,100 square meters.

For more information, please visit: www.wheelocksquare.com

Leasing Enquiry: enquiry@wheelocksquare.com