Spectacle in Changsha

by Stacy Rinella | February 6, 2025 7:36 am

[1]

Soaring 164 m (540 ft) on the banks of the of the Xiang River in Changsha, China is the newly constructed headquarters for SANY Group’s Sanxiang Bank. Designed by global firm PEI Architects, the mixed-use development complex spans 106,138 m²
(1.14 million sf), and has five separate buildings connected by a continuous low podium, which winds at the base of each structure. The overall project design of the three south towers is reminiscent of sailboats—a tribute to the historical Xiang River location that made Changsha the epicenter of the 19^th-century tea and rice trade.

“The facades of the three residential towers also present convex forms, and with curved rooflines rising to a point, they evoke the image of billowed sails, an homage to the riverfront’s maritime history,” says
Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, AIA, partner with PEI Architects. “The architectural gesture of the positioning and shape of the facades also maximizes exposure to the water, offering the best possible views of the riverfront.”

Located at the north end of the complex, the Sanxiang Bank headquarters is the tallest building in the development. The rotating, geometrical design was used to convey a sense of strength and reliability.

Overall, the project is a striking new landmark in the city. Each of the five buildings was designed with its own compelling, unique features compared to the surrounding structures in the area. In addition to office and residential units, the development also includes hotel rooms, game and media rooms, swimming pools, on-site parking, outdoor sitting areas, and a sky lounge.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/spectacle-in-changsha/

---