Shaping a sense of community

This 460-meter mixed-use complex is located at the heart of the new central business district in Suzhou, China. Its three interconnected towers integrate apartments, office space, and retail into a mixed-use community. The tower will become a new landmark in Suzhou—a modern expression of the city’s enduring values and quality of life.

The tower is designed to create an intimate sense of community, with small floor plates and only a few residences per floor. The building’s three vertical volumes are linked by sky bridges, at floors 17, 49, and 77. Designed as multifunctional social hubs, the sky bridges contain amenities focused on wellness and family life: play and study areas, fitness amenities, and outdoor terraces. With sweeping views toward the surrounding lakes and historic areas of the city, the bridges provide an inspiring setting for residents to interact.

The tower’s transparent crown contains additional gathering spaces beneath a petal-shaped roof. The aperture of the transparent glass floor is inspired by the moon gates of Suzhou’s traditional gardens.

Design inspired by landscape and culture

In designing the tower, we sought to reflect the ancient city’s rich cultural roots. Known for its canals, bridges, pagodas, and classical gardens, Suzhou has preserved many significant examples of Chinese classical architecture. The design also takes inspiration from Suzhou’s relationship to water. Thanks to its position in the Yangtze River delta region, Suzhou has been a focal point of trade and commerce throughout history.

The form of the tower suggests three boats converging, symbolizing the gathering of people, talent, and industry. The rippling facade spandrels evoke the surface of the nearby Jinji Lake or the unfurling of ancient Chinese scrolls, a nod to the city’s heritage as a center for arts and scholarship.

Designed for the climate, connected to the city

The building’s geometry maximizes daylight, views, and natural ventilation, while also mitigating climatic forces by allowing wind to pass through the open core. The structural design significantly reduces material use and therefore the overall carbon impact of construction. Further sustainable design elements include integrated photovoltaic panels on the podium roof, and a high performance glass exterior wall which significantly reduces energy use.

At street level, a series of public plazas and lush, landscaped gardens frame the building with pedestrian-friendly gathering spaces. Retail spaces at the base of the tower are complemented by a direct connection to the nearby Suzhou Center, a new shopping destination in the city. A glass atrium brings daylight into underground retail spaces, with views looking skyward to the tower. The design prioritizes pedestrian connections to Suzhou’s metro stations, integrating the tower within the city’s transit network.