DRAGON-THEMED CULTURAL COMPLEX

International architectural firm Aedas has revealed plans for a dragon-inspired development in China’s southern Guangdong province. Located in Zhuhai — a city known for its golf resorts, theme parks, and coastal islands — phase two of the ‘Zhuhai Hengqin headquarters complex’ is sited in close proximity to a bridge that connects mainland China to Macau.

Overlooking some of the largest casino resorts across the river, the vast scheme comprises two high-rise office towers, as well as a series of retail, banquet, entertainment and leisure venues. Several public art sculptures will act as local landmarks and activate the surrounding public space. 

Aedas’ design for the two towers and the small banquet building in between, references the motif of two dragons chasing a pearl — an image that symbolises good fortune and happiness in ancient Chinese mythology. “The towers portray a sense of strength and power with a façade that shimmers under the sun, while the banquet building looks like an exquisite pearl,” explain the architects.

Meanwhile, echoing the form of the nearby bridge, the podium resembles a blooming lotus flower with ‘leaves’ that encompass the shopping centre. The masterplan is laid out to drive traffic from various retail, leisure and green nodes towards a central sunken plaza.

The design also responds to Zhuhai’s high annual rainfall, with the scheme’s upper levels providing shelter for people below.

All images courtesy of Aedas