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The 528-metre-tall CITIC Tower has officially become Beijing's tallest building, the fourth tallest building in China, and the eighth tallest building in the world. The Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates-designed supertall was celebrated on October 1 by CITIC Heye Investment with a striking light show from the tower's facade.
Also known as the China Zun Tower, the development's vase-like profile echoes the "zun", a ritual vessel dating from Bronze Age China. The building's "waist" narrows to a 54-metre-wide floor plan, while the base and top are stretched to 78 and 69 metres respectively. CITIC Tower adopts an abstract zun shape, modified to accommodate structural requirements and leasing depth needs.
An upward curve defining the lobby reflects the tower's outward drape, and the interior canopy is characterized by aluminum ribbing that traces the curvature of the building.
CITIC Tower is positioned at the northern end of a dense cluster of tall buildings that comprise Beijing's central business district. Underground, the project is connected to a pedestrian passageway system, a B2-level roadway, and four subway lines.
CITIC Tower is the headquarters for CITIC Group and CITIC Bank, with additional tenants filling out the remaining office spaces. The original land bid concept was submitted by TFP Farrells, with Kohn Pedersen Fox conceiving the realized design.
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