Located near Beijing Capital International Airport and connected by the Airport North Expressway and Guodao 101, the project occupies a strategic position within one of the city’s rapidly emerging suburban districts. As Beijing continues to expand beyond its traditional urban core, new residential and commercial areas are reshaping the metropolitan landscape. The development responds to this transformation by proposing a workplace environment that extends beyond the conventional office model and anticipates the needs of future communities.
Rather than functioning as an isolated office complex, the project was conceived as a destination and gathering point within the evolving district. The ground floor is opened to the public and accommodates retail, plazas and shared amenities that can be enjoyed by both office users and the wider neighbourhood. In doing so, the development establishes a social and commercial hub capable of supporting the growth of the surrounding area as it continues to urbanise.
At the heart of the proposal lies a new interpretation of the workplace, organised around five core principles: livable, linked, liberal, lively and landscape. Together, these qualities seek to create a more balanced relationship between productivity, wellbeing and social interaction.
The architectural concept is structured around a large central volume surrounded by a series of interconnected office buildings. This central hub accommodates spaces for events, meetings, informal collaboration, relaxation, entertainment and workplace support functions. By consolidating these communal activities within a dedicated structure, the surrounding office buildings can focus primarily on productive work environments while remaining connected through a network of sky bridges and shared circulation routes.
The arrangement creates a clear distinction between spaces for concentration and spaces for interaction, allowing employees to move seamlessly between focused work and collaborative activities throughout the day. Rather than treating these functions as separate entities, the project integrates them into a cohesive ecosystem that supports different modes of working and encourages spontaneous encounters between users.
Landscape plays an equally important role in shaping the workplace experience. Positioned at the centre of the development and embraced by the surrounding architecture, a large green courtyard forms the social and environmental heart of the project. More than a landscaped space, it serves as a shared environment where nature, work and community intersect. Carefully selected planting introduces seasonal variation, improves environmental performance and creates opportunities for employees to work, meet and relax within a natural setting.
The result is a workplace that challenges traditional office typologies by placing equal importance on productivity, wellbeing and social connection. By combining architecture, landscape and public space, the development proposes a more human-centred model for suburban working environments and anticipates the changing expectations of future office culture.
location tianzhou, china
design team toshio tsushima, leroy merks, shangjie jin, yu hoi ting cherry, winnie tam
local architect beijing institute of architectural design
type architecture and interior design
program office and retail
size 59.300sqm
commission direct commission (2013)
status completed (2017)
awards perspective awards
