Referencing the city’s central green axis, the design is inspired by the Banyan Tree. A Banyan tree grows its roots around an existing tree and transforms it into a flourishing new tree which is appropriate since some of the remnants of the previous design were incorporated. This project was originally partially constructed and lay abandoned for years before the new developer purchased the property and required a redesign. The new design and massing is inspired by the organic forms of the Banyan root structures.

The Podium massing twists as it rises and includes natural stone consisting of parametrically rotated panels which allow the buildings mechanical systems to breathe. The MEP louvers are mostly situated behind these panels with the airflow passing through the gaps created by the panel rotations. The horizontal stone elements represent the strata of the soil from which these roots emerge. At the podium rooftop, there are also elements inspired by nature such as leaf shaped skylights above each massive atrium, and glass egg shaped elevator enclosures at the larger exterior terraces.

The towers incorporate sunscreens which are reminiscent of fern-like vines and shade the operable windows allowing fresh air into the condo units. In the corners of each tower, there are organically shaped structural elements which weave their way upwards to the top crowns. These vine-like structural elements are visible at an urban scale and continue the podium’s motif vertically along the towers, creating a distinct landmark on the skyline. The landscaped public spaces (designed by Ohtori Consultants Environmental Design Institute) change use & form within each pedestrian zone at the ground floor and multiple terraces on the podium rooftops.

The main urban green space includes cultural promenades, water features, art walks, and a variety of gathering spaces. The center of the site includes an underground connection to the main metro lines which converge at the central point of Xuzhou. A variety of terraces at the podium rooftops provide open unobstructed views and are located at multiple levels each with a unique function such as observation platforms, lifestyle spaces, restaurants, gardens, and the art gallery terraces.