Pearl River Tower, The 1,020-feet (309-meter) tall high-performance building has since been completed and is one of the most energy efficient super-tall buildings constructed. Both its siting and the evocative, curvilinear geometry are performance driven, exemplifying a 21st-century tower that responds to local climatic conditions and global energy concerns.
Photography by © Tim Griffith
The generally rectangular floor plates have been rotated slightly from Guangzhou’s orthogonal city grid in order to maximize utilization of prevailing winds and better capture solar energy through the strategic positioning of photovoltaic technologies. Recognized around the world as a breakthrough in advanced, interdisciplinary design applications, the tower includes the following high-performance, sustainable design features:
‘ Exterior façade
‘ Wind turbines
‘ Integrated photovoltaics
‘ Radiant cooling coupled with underfloor air ventilation
‘ Daylight responsive controls
‘ Daylight reflectors
‘ Vertical transportation
‘ High-efficiency chiller system
‘ High-efficiency lighting
‘Only great clients can achieve a truly great building.
Photography by © Tim Griffith
The ambitious vision and persistent insistence on the excellence of former chairman Jin Cheng Xiang and director Zhi Ming Ye encouraged the dozens of SOM architectural designers, structural engineers and mechanical engineers who worked on the Pearl River Tower to produce this living monument to human ingenuity,’ said SOM Managing Partner Richard Tomlinson.
Photography by © Tim Griffith
For most of its 76-year history, SOM has been a pioneer in high-efficiency environmentally sensitive architecture and urban design, always striving to do more using less and making buildings and places that are beautiful to see and uplifting to experience.
Photography by © Tim Griffith
‘The collaboration of Pearl River Tower Properties Co., Ltd., and SOM during these past seven years has been gratifying for us. Together hundreds have collaborated in friendship and respect to create something we could all be proud of. Together we have created an iconic landmark that represents a major step forward in high-performance sustainable design that challenges the world to do better in the future,’ said Director Zhi.”
Photography by © Tim Griffith
Project Info:
Architects: SOM
Location: Guangzhou, China
Site Area: 10,635 m2
Project Area: 214,000 m2
Number of Stories: 71
Building Height: 309.60 m
Service: Architecture, MEP, Structural + Civil Engineering, Sustainable Design, Tall Buildings
Year: 2013
Type: Office building
Hadeer Shahin is the Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she curates innovative architectural works from around the globe. With a background in architecture from Alexandria University and hands-on experience in design and digital content, she bridges the gap between technical precision and editorial vision. Hadeer’s keen eye for spatial storytelling and her passion for contemporary design trends make her a vital contributor to Arch2O’s mission of highlighting excellence in the built environment.