Located along the Pearl River on the opposite bank of Guangzhou’s historic city centre, the project occupies a prominent position within an area that for many years remained largely industrial and underdeveloped. As part of a broader strategy to transform the waterfront into a vibrant mixed-use district, the development was realised in close collaboration with the local government and became one of the first major projects to establish a new identity for the area.
Conceived as a landmark along the riverfront, the building responds directly to its unique setting. Its form follows the gentle curvature of the Pearl River, maximising panoramic views towards Guangzhou’s skyline while reinforcing the visual relationship between the waterfront and the city beyond. In contrast, the concave side of the building creates a more intimate urban environment, orienting views towards internal communal spaces and neighbouring developments.
The massing of the building gradually steps back as it rises, reducing its perceived scale while creating a series of communal terraces distributed throughout the development. These shared outdoor spaces provide residents with generous areas for relaxation, social interaction and recreation, while offering uninterrupted views across the river and the city beyond.
Housing more than 1,000 residents, the project places particular emphasis on collective living and access to shared amenities. Rather than reserving the best views for a select number of apartments, the stepped configuration ensures that communal terraces become destinations for the entire community, creating opportunities for interaction while strengthening the relationship between residents and the surrounding urban landscape.
Since its completion, the project has become a recognisable landmark within Guangzhou’s evolving waterfront district. Widely embraced by residents and visitors alike, it continues to serve as a symbol of the area's transformation and demonstrates how architecture can contribute to the creation of a new urban identity.
location guangzhou, china
type architecture
program residential and retail
area 38.200sqm
status completed (2019)
client guangzhou vanke real estate co. ltd.
design team toshio tsushima, leroy merks, yung sai chung
local architect shenzhen capol international and associates
photographer masao nishikawa
