The soaring China World Trade Center is one of the tallest structures in Beijing and is a centerpiece of the Central Business District. Embodying quiet, purposeful elegance, the mixed-use skyscraper stands in refreshing contrast to the jumble of new buildings in the fast-growing area.

The tower’s robust base is folded seamlessly into the existing urban fabric and visually anchors the tapering spire. The ground floor contains clearly organized entries to offices on the west and a hotel on the east. Above, fritted glass and metal fins on the tower’s facades help mitigate solar heat gain while maximizing daylighting — features that helped the project earn LEED® Gold certification. This textured surface reads as a waterfall of light and detail.

The tower marks the third phase of the China World Trade Center development. It sits immediately southwest of China World Trade Center Phase 3B, a 58-story tower designed by SOM that is slated to be completed in 2017.