Landmark tower to set a new standard in sustainable design, serving more than 60,000 employees by 2029

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), in partnership with China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC) has officially broken ground on the global headquarters in Shenzhen, marking the start of construction on a new landmark in the district of Qianhai. The 270-meter, 53-story tower—recently awarded to SOM following an international design competition—is set to establish new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation in the region.

CIMC, a global leader in transportation and energy equipment manufacturing, aims to reflect its industry prominence and commitment to sustainability with its new headquarters. SOM’s winning design combines the functionality of a high-performance corporate campus with the natural beauty of Shenzhen’s landscape, creating a mixed-use vertical development that integrates Class A office space, retail, and conference facilities for more than 60,000 employees.

Inspired by the mountainous landscapes depicted in traditional Chinese scroll paintings, SOM’s design features three nature-infused amenity zones. A central sky lobby, carved into the building’s core, creates a verdant gathering space within the tower. Additional amenities include a rooftop garden with panoramic views of Qianhai Bay and a tiered podium at the base, blending the natural environment with urban life. Winding nature trails, outdoor terraces, and lush green spaces contribute to a healthy and dynamic work environment.

At ground level, a staggered podium houses a grand office lobby and a sunlit atrium connected to street-level retail and dining. A sunken plaza links the development to the subway system, providing direct public transit access. Visitors can ascend through landscaped walkways and stairs to the second-floor bridge level for elevated views of the city.

In line with CIMC’s commitment to high-quality development, SOM’s design envisions an efficient, healthy and sustainable global headquarters that integrates state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. The tower incorporates advanced energy-saving strategies and emission reduction techniques, such as intelligent daylight sensing, photovoltaic integration and optimized material usage. These innovations aim to achieve the highest industry certifications, including Three-Star Green Building, LEED and WELL Platinum.

With construction underway, the CIMC Global Headquarters is targeting completion by 2029.