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The Chinese city of Wuhan will be getting another supertall, adding to its current count of three, with a 400-metre tower by Chicago-based Goettsch Partners impressing judges at a design competition. The Optics Valley Center complex will be developed by Greenland Group and total 315,000 square metres of space spread across three separate buildings.
Designed to represent Wuhan's future as a city that balances modern development with the environment, the landmark central tower sports rounded corners and a gentle taper that contemporaneously reduces wind pressures on the skyscraper. A red-coloured mosaic of exterior shades covers the facade, stretching and compressing at the base and crown to differentiate these sections from the middle of the tower. The use of colour also references Wuhan's local technology culture.
The Optics Valley Center will essentially function as a new downtown southeast of Wuhan, and at the centre, two main parcels will host a range of commercial uses. Those parcels include the 400-metre signature tower, which will offer tenants panoramic views of the nearby mountain ranges, historic city centre and Wuhan's system of lakes and rivers. A meandering green belt will serve as the spine that connects the various site programs together.
"We are honoured to be selected to design this new icon for the expanding city of Wuhan," said Paul De Santis, LEED AP, principal and senior project designer at Goettsch Partners. "It will distinguish the Optics Valley along the skyline and proudly expand the rich history of education and innovation for which Wuhan is famous."
Currently in schematic design, the project is scheduled for delivery in 2022. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.
