Architectural firm NBBJ has been selected to design a 32-storey building, located in the Bao’an district of Shenzhen, that will serve as the headquarters of Chinese smartphone technology company Vivo.
The building design focuses on providing an environment that integrates “nature, health and work”, says Robert Mankin, partner in charge of workplace design at NBBJ. The exterior of the tower has spiraling gardens and horizontal glass panels that offer coastal views. Inspired by the forests and mountains of Shenzhen, the lower terraces will have sparse trees, the middle atrium will have denser subtropical mountain forest plants and the upper level terraces will look like a sparse, rugged alpine forest.
Inside, the office design prioritises the well-being of users, says Mankin. Green landscaping can be seen at every level and green hubs connect to each level’s office pantry and kitchen. The open floor plans of the offices offer flexibility, “larger personal spaces” and “views for everyone, while they work”, says Vivian Ngo, principal at NBBJ.
Outside, there is a public plaza that offers direct access to Level 5 of the tower, where the flagship Vivo store will be. There will also be retail shops, eateries, conference rooms and an employee cafeteria on the same level.
Entering the building, visitors will first see an arrival podium. They can then go up via the grand staircase and escalators to the main lobby at the third floor, which enjoys sea views.
The building also incorporates features that protect against rising flood waters and seasonal flooding, in line with China’s “Sponge City” initiative. Permeable surfaces are used wherever possible to promote water drainage and there are underground tanks built for rainwater harvesting. The geometry of the building allows it to be energy-saving as it offers shade in the summer and added daylight in the winter.
Construction of Vivo tower will commence in May and is expected to complete by the fall of 2025.