Project: Wuhan Film Production Studio Plot D and Plot E
(Residential and Commercial)
Design Scheme Location: Wuhan, China
Client: Wuhan Urban Construction Group Design and Project Architect: Aedas and gad
Gross Floor Area: Super high-rise tower and retail street – 228,948 sq m and Residential – 387,050 sq m Completion Year: On-going
Design Directors: Dr. Andy Wen, Global Design Principal; Yijun Qian, Executive Director
Wuhan is an ancient yet diverse city with a rich history and traditional culture. Aedas Global Design Principal Dr. Andy Wen and Executive Director Yijun Qian led the team to win the competition of Wuhan Film Production Studio Plot D and Plot E (Residential and Commercial) Design Scheme in the heart of city. Integrating the Wuhan landscape with cultural characteristics, the design is set to be a cultural-commercial hub filled with historical and functional features.
A future cultural-leisure destination in Wuhan
Located in the centre of Hanjiang district, the project is closely situated to the major roads and metro system, enjoying a convenient accessibility to link with other districts. Connected to the landscape view axis, the Cloud City has a spectecular view overlooking the surrounding landscape and Zhongshan Park to the East.
Site location
The overall Cloud City development is a mix of office, residential and commercial. The design promotes the integration of ‘sharing, connectivity and greenery’, to maximise the use of the L-shaped plot and to meet the urban planning requirements. To deliver an efficient commercial experience, the super high-rise tower that consists of office and hotel is placed near the metro entrance. Residences are allocated in the mid-levels, and the porous podium on the lower levels connects with other functions and irrigates the city with vibrancy. With the connectivity to the landscape axis, the skyline merges with the nature and landscape nearby.
Planning requirement of landscape view axis Planning concept Integrated design
Dr. Andy Wen shares, ‘Architecture needs to be multi-dimensional and integrated with features from different eras. Using our professional experience and creativity, we have adopted a micro-urbanism approach to create a timeless and people-centric development.’
The 250m super high-rise tower marks the highest point and urban icon within the district. The tower drew inspiration from the poetic Wuhan and authentic cultural symbol – having cranes flying in the clouds around towers. The slightly curved linear architectural form features a Chinese cornice-like crown on top, and a horizontal metal void in the middle of the façade. Glittering in the night, the crown mimics the energetic crane flying above the golden cloud. The building is cut asymmetrically and creates an interior collaborative space in the middle facing the park. Designed with simplicity and aesthetics, the tower also adopts efficient interior ventilation to ensure a comfortable environment.
Design concept of ‘Yellow Crane’ tower
250m super high-rise building The crown is designed in a form of Chinese traditonal cornices
The clubhouse at the crown enjoys an unobstructed cityscape view
The office, headquarters and 5-star hotel are respectively placed in the convenient low, middle and high zones, enjoying the city and landscape view; the headquarters is designed at the serene high zone. The vertical program arranges the communal collaborative space in between the functions, creating interspersed
interactive spaces including rooftop garden, sky lobby and wellness amenities. The openness, complemented with various circulations and entrances, creates a new spatial experience to connect live-work and socialising areas.
Design concept (shown in GIF) Vertical program arrangement
The podium adopts a L-shape layout, stacked by various blocks and linked by golden fins echoing the motion of Wuhan lake city. The podium includes a multi-dimensional garden, metro sunken plaza, individual flagship blocks and themed plaza. A vibrant shopping experience is created through diverse retail nodes and a multi- dimensional wandering pavement.
Spatial arrangement along the retail circulation Stacking fins through the podium façade
The corridor on the podium connects the functions and merges with the urban fabric and the retail street. The underground retail street links the metro and the surrounding developments to the north. The multi-layered circulation ensures a convenient metro and interconnected pedestrian system.
High line landscape corridor Underground metro system
Corridor seamlessly linking to the surrounding plots
‘Architecture is a powerful medium that resonates with the urban context. The design aims to break the conventional layout of tower and podium, creating a porous and interconnected development which merges with locality.’ Yijun Qian said.
*This is a competition scheme and does not represent the final design.
About Aedas
Aedas is the world’s only local and global architecture and design practice driven by global sharing of research, local knowledge and international practice. Our 1,100 creative minds with design studios across the globe create world-class design solutions with deep social and cultural understanding of the communities we design for. We create world-class design solutions that are tailored to the needs of cities and communities around the world.
In the international competition for the Huaxia Bank Headquarters in the Beijing MC district, von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) emerged as winners. The office complex is sustainably designed in compliance with the LEED Platinum Standard, China Green Building Label (CGBL) 3 Stars, and WELL Platinum. Following the completion of the Asia Financial Center & AIIB Headquarters in 2019, the new head office of the Huaxia Bank represents another prestigious bank headquarters in Beijing based on a design by gmp.
Huaxia Bank, Peking Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis Entwurf: Meinhard von Gerkan und Stephan Schütz mit Stephan Rewolle Projektmanagement: LI Ling Projektleitung: SUI Jinying
The meandering structure with two high points contains three atriums and aligns itself with a central transverse axis. This axis connects the area to the urban space in the west and to the headquarters’ rambling, C-shaped park that borders the building on three sides. The three-story, symmetrical base interlinks all functions and enables their flexible and equitable arrangement. The volume stacked on top of the base on the east side creates an entrance portal for the ensemble and interconnects the areas to the north and south.
Huaxia Bank, Peking Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis Entwurf: Meinhard von Gerkan und Stephan Schütz mit Stephan Rewolle Projektmanagement: LI Ling Projektleitung: SUI Jinying
Placed in a staggered, L-shaped arrangement, the 100-meter main tower to the north and the 50-meter tower to the west form a distinctive skyline, opening up the urban area towards the park in the southeast and towards the banks of the North Canal. The volumes are characterized by photovoltaic facades and roof surfaces. The regular facades of the meander are designed as climate-active, double-skin facades with integrated photovoltaic elements and ventilation inlets that can be opened manually. They are also provided with a projecting, vertical structure made of natural stone. The roof surfaces accommodate planted terraces suitable for a variety of activities. The three inner courtyards, two of which are glazed, supplement the shared meeting places for bank employees.
Huaxia Bank, Peking Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis Entwurf: Meinhard von Gerkan und Stephan Schütz mit Stephan Rewolle Projektmanagement: LI Ling Projektleitung: SUI Jinying
Huaxia Bank, Peking
Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis
Entwurf: Meinhard von Gerkan und Stephan Schütz mit Stephan Rewolle
Projektmanagement: LI Ling
Projektleitung: SUI Jinying
Huaxia Bank, Peking
Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis
Huaxia Bank, Peking
Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis
Huaxia Bank, Peking
Studie, Gutachten – 1. Preis
Entwurf: Meinhard von Gerkan und Stephan Schütz mit Stephan Rewolle
Projektmanagement: LI Ling
Projektleitung: SUI Jinying
What is the essence of portrait photography?
This has been a constant pondering for Dingji Photography over the past eleven years. With a focus on excellence and a pursuit of the highest standards, Dingji has established seven distinct professional portrait photography institutions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Now, Dingji presents a new concept for its eighth establishment: a non-profit, dedicated space solely for exploring the art of portraiture.
“After hearing this concept from the founder of Dingji, as someone who has visited numerous art spaces, I was immediately moved. In a time filled with competition and uncertainty due to the pandemic (during the planning phase), Dingji persists in stubbornly ‘discussing art’—a practice that seems detached from commercial interests yet truly elevates the production of portrait photography to its utmost perfection. This is commendable,” expressed Luo Zhenhua from WIT Design.
However, the average customer expenditure is five to ten times higher than that of Dingji’s regular stores, and yet it continues to be widely loved.
01 Space
“The Portrait Steward in the Era of Cloud Computing”
However, is art really so distant from us?
It is well known that many of our country’s products have hardware that is on par with top Western brands, yet there is still a gap in terms of pricing. Perhaps what is lacking is a thorough understanding of art and design.
Speaking of portrait photography, during the years of my interaction with Dingji, I have never for a moment considered it to be just an ordinary photo studio. Dingji’s artistry is far from being exclusive to a select few. It has consistently and silently provided a photography service that withstands scrutiny, constantly pushing the boundaries of portrait art to its utmost perfection.
Within the exhibition hall’s corridors, a scene of mechanical aesthetics unfolds. It seems as if, in the fraction of a second captured by the mechanical shutter sound, guests are frozen and captured, while being processed and uploaded in real-time. Dingji’s artistic output is not akin to the portrait oil paintings of the 16th-century Renaissance, nor the slow development of images by cameras in the 19th century. Instead, it exists within a futuristic realm of silver and metallic textures, where capturing, storing, and online management are unrestricted by technology—never fading, never lost.
This eighth establishment, the Huanya Art Space, offers customers a glimpse into the future—a scenario where, in the era of cloud data, they not only serve as photographers for the guests but also act as their portrait stewards.
As the artistic portrait stewards, Dingji also provides large-scale interactive installations within the exhibition hall, showcasing the power of their advanced backend technologies.
If there were a “Heavenly Photo Studio,” it would most likely be curved in design.
The exhibition hall is curved in design—Architect Antoni Gaudí once said, “Straight lines belong to man, while curved lines belong to God.”
The exhibition hall will host regular photography exhibitions, with the aim of fostering the self-evolution of Dingji through the showcased works. Additionally, the art corridor is divided into sections by the shape of mechanical shutters, with each section documenting a story and scene captured by Dingji’s photography.
02 Value
Brand’s Autonomous Transformation
Portrait Consultant + Art Exploration + Homage to Future Imaging
Returning to the commercial space itself, after the pandemic, the project has gained a significant number of customers, achieving an average customer expenditure that is 5-10 times higher than that of its regular stores. This transformation has brought about a qualitative change in both the business and brand dimensions.
This is a contemporary imaging space that observes and explores the future, reaching people through intuitive design and receiving positive responses. Portrait photography is a combination of a portrait consultant, art exploration, and homage to future imaging within a service-oriented system.
03 Nature
“There was a touching story about a Dingji staff member that really moved me: A customer wanted to have their portrait taken during sunrise. When the customer arrived at the outdoor shooting location promptly at 6 a.m., the enthusiastic Dingji business team offered them tea, and the makeup team had already prepared all the necessary facilities outdoors. The photography team’s instructor, equipment, devices, and lighting were all perfectly set up in advance. The customer’s experience was further enhanced as they melted into the moment, accompanied by the warm rays of the rising sun.”
Returning to the commercial space itself, the project has consistently attracted a significant number of customers after the pandemic.
At that moment, it wasn’t just a groggy independent photographer welcoming the guests, but rather an entire professional business team working together systematically to pursue artistic outcomes. In the end, a series of personalized, custom-made artistic portraits with a sense of contemporary tension are produced.
Luxurious Waterfront Living at Marina Gate Towers by Aedas
Project: The Residences at Marina Gate Location: Dubai, U.A.E. Client: Select Group Design Architect: Aedas Gross Floor Area: 210,000 sq m Completion Year: 2020
Designed in 2015, The Residences at Marina Gate project is a prestigious residential development that comprises three high-rise towers, two residential and one hotel serviced apartments managed by Jumeirah Group International, all offering stunning views of the Marina and the Arabian Gulf.
It is located at the world’s largest artificial marina – Dubai Marina, which is a vibrant tourist hub and a dynamic neighbourhood with many unique residential towers. The Marina is a bustling waterfront community with a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment options.
Facing the Arabian Gulf and the Marina, The Residences at Marina Gate enjoys one of the best views within Dubai Marina. The project offers a variety of living options to its residents, including studios, 1-5 bedroom apartments, serviced apartments, penthouses and over 30 villas. The three towers range from 52 to 64 storeys that stand above a cluster of an 8-level podium with retail at lower levels.
The inspiration for the design comes from the sleek and modern aesthetic of Dubai, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The architects aimed to create a sense of openness and connection with the environment, while also ensuring a high level of privacy and exclusivity for the residents.
Render Reality Blending into the urban context The silhouette blends in with the urban context, while the materials and lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the surrounding landscape. The complex was designed to meet international
standards, using advanced glass, steel, and concrete forms, to give a modern and sophisticated look that reflects the beauty of Dubai while incorporating the natural environment. Villas are stacked in a staggered manner to reinforce its linkage with the main tower, formulating one composition. While the height of the podium was utilised to achieve the required parking count.
Standing tall in the heart of a tourist destination Podium Section Plan The 3 towers are connected through passages within an 8-level terraced podium. This podium was designed to serve as a convenient walkway while incorporating commercial elements for residents. With 50 retail outlets, a supermarket, salons, a gym, and sports facilities, the podium promotes healthy living and creates social spaces. Its design optimises waterfront usage by placing retail and villa units at an ideal angle, maximising views and accessibility.
The Residences at Marina Gate, designed in 2015, is a prestigious residential development in Dubai Marina. With three high-rise towers offering stunning views, the project seamlessly blends sleek design with the natural landscape. The interconnected terraced podium enhances convenience and waterfront usage. Each tower boasts luxurious amenities, making it a symbol of luxury living in the vibrant Marina community.
About Aedas
Aedas is the world’s only local and global architecture and design practice driven by global sharing of research, local knowledge and international practice. Our 1,100 creative minds with design studios across the globe create world-class design solutions with deep social and cultural understanding of the communities we design for. We create world-class design solutions that are tailored to the needs of cities and communities around the world. www.aedas.com
Brainium asked Hacker to design a modestly branded workplace that created a welcoming and visually pleasing experience while leaving room for the unexpected. The desired qualities were not entirely different from the studio’s own work: their game apps are unique, intuitive, and engaging, with incredible attention to detail, all for the goal of an amazing experience for the player.
This commercial building houses Caxias do Sul‘s Bontempo branch, a renowned furniture chain in Brasil. Located on a corner near Shopping Iguatemi and inserted in a mixed residential and commercial area, the building stands out for its contemporary architecture.
The project was based on the play of volumes and planes, contrasting its parts also by the colors employed. The building‘s access is demarcated by a large structural front balance, protecting the open hall and inviting the public in. In the inner space, the high ceilings create unique spatialities that value the products on display.
As one of the focal developing districts located in western Beijing that comprised of three zones, Shougang is a cradle for high-end industries which leads to the green transformation of traditional industries. Aedas Global Design Principal Dr. Andy Wen and Executive Director Zi Huan Lin led the team to create a mixed-use commercial complex on the southeast part of economic zone.
As the main carrier of the urbanisation process in the suburbs of Shanghai, Jiading New City is an important hub for Shanghai’s development in science and technology, and a recently-established sub-centre for the future city. Shanghai Jiading Financial Center Project is designed by Aedas Global Design Principal Ken Wai, located in the core area of the lot and has been brought into practical use since its completion. The façade perfectly interprets the design concept that focuses on simplicity, organically integrating modern elements into the surrounding nature, and creating a new vibrant hub for the emerging commercial cluster in Jiading New City.
Haebangchon means Freedom or Liberation town, located near Itawon and Yongsan, where many foreign nationals and US army personnel reside. It has recently been retrofitted with many hip Korean and western bars and restaurants, where young international crowd mingles.
The site is at the hilltop where great views of the city is available. (only when you reach the rooftop).
Located in the northeast corner of multidimensional Suhe MixC World in Shanghai an ‘urban valley’ comprising an underground commercial center set within in a brand new green land for the city this mixed-use Commercial Podium in East Alley (hereinafter referred to as “side building”) acts a gateway to physically and aesthetically connect its wider site, revealing the underground commercial valley to the urban public space. A destination in its own right, the side building also draws on various elements of its surroundings including the linear design language of a neighboring landmark tower and green space to blur boundaries between architecture and nature, inside and out, public and private.
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