Wangjing SOHO

Adding to the list of neo-futuristic works by Zaha Hadid, this 18-storey mixed-use entertainment, office, and retail complex in Beijing shapeshifts from interweaving mountain peaks, colossal pebbles, to Chinese fans – depending on where you’re looking it from.

Wangjing SOHO sits on top of a 115,393-sqm land, divided into three towers of heights ranging from 118, 127, to 200 meters. Its fan-shaped site is adjacent to the main road which connects the Beijing Capital Airport to the city center – making it the first high-rise architecture visible en-route.

Inspired by the movement of the sun, wind, and its surrounding city, Wangjing SOHO features a fluid design with “ever-changing” towers that appear as individual buildings in certain directions and connected from other angles.

The development is oriented in such a way that directs people to other transport links and social spaces surrounding the complex. For one, the towers are surrounded by a public park to the south and landscaped gardens at its north. Whereas, multiple activity nodes and water features surround their eastern and western directions.

A high-performance glass curtain wall system and dual silver low-E glass form its exteriors. Apart from its sophisticated look, these materials are also capable of reducing the building’s artificial cooling and heating requirements. Its external louvers which form the building’s curvilinear form is made from curved, customized horizontal ribbons of white aluminum panels in varying widths, depths, and heights. Aside from providing solar shading, these ribbons also form ledges for easier maintenance.

Each tower of Wangjing SOHO features individual entrance lobbies with a 10-meter high ceiling. Traversing throughout the interiors, guests are welcomed with natural, fresh air, thanks to the incorporation of building materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Home to many technology companies, startups, and even international companies, Wangjing SOHO features a combined office space of 364,169 square meters – designed to offer a variety of flexible, open-plan layouts.

Floor-to-floor access is made possible by 16 elevator halls and 81 office elevators equipped with access control systems. Aside from office spaces, it also features a total retail space of 46,929 square meters – divided into a shopping center, various shopping outlets, cafés, and restaurants. It also accommodates a three-level underground parking space open for 8,256 bicycles and 150,000 cars.

Wangjing SOHO’s efforts to incorporate sustainability and energy conservation to its operations extend beyond building design. Approximately 40% of the water is recycled and reused. Other sustainable features include its energy monitoring systems, energy-efficient control sensors, heat recovery from exhaust air, and the use of high-efficiency pumps, fans, boilers, and chillers. These strategies collectively awarded the complex a LEED Gold pre-certification.

Using architecture as a tool for reshaping the urban fabric of China’s major cities, Zaha Hadid Architects through the Wangjing SOHO introduced a distinctive yet energy-efficient design, offering a harmonious and organic momentum to the bustling city of Beijing.