New Chinese Skyscrapers: Sinosteel International Plaza, Tianjin, China

New Chinese Skyscrapers: Sinosteel International Plaza, Tianjin, China
© MAD Architects

Sinosteel International Plaza is just one of many new Chinese skyscrapers popping out of nowhere. It’s a 358m (1,174ft) tall office and hotel building designed by MAD Architects for Tianjin, China. What is special about this skyscraper is its façade. This new type of façade seen on skyscrapers is not only eye-catching and dynamic, it’s also part of the structure, allowing column free office and hotel interior floor plan. Less glass outside also helps in reducing temperature making it green and sustainable. “The design concept combines geometry, structure and cultural symbolism as a repetitive motif: a hexagonal façade, multiplying and evolving across the building. This façade is made up of five standardize units of hexagonal windows; it signifies the heritage value in Chinese architecture. These windows flow across the building in a naturally evolving pattern, as if organic cells multiplying. This design detail animates the façade, creating an ever-changing image of the building from each different perspective. The façade is also the backbone of the building structure, exoskeleton, and sheer solid surface. This removes the necessity for internal columns beyond the building’s core, freeing up space within the structure for a much more flexible use. From a very simple concept, yet deeply rooted in ancient Chinese architecture, a subtle and sensitive building arises. Sinosteel International Plaza will establish a different urban landscape and soften the hard edge of the concrete jungle we live in, our modern city.”

-MAD Architects