Construction is underway on the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology Tower in the bustling Futian district of Shenzhen, China. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the 199 meter tall, 46-story structure will house key facilities for advancing China’s fintech sector, which is projected to grow by nearly 20% annually over the next decade. The building reflects an integration of advanced architectural design with sustainability principles.
Optimized Design for Urban and Environmental Context
Situated on a narrow site in Shenzhen’s Futian district, the tower’s design is shaped by its dense urban surroundings. The architects carefully analyzed the annual sun paths across the site. They incorporated set-backs into the structure to improve sunlight access to the neighboring streets and public plazas.
The facade of the tower is a standout feature, combining varying degrees of transparency and color to emphasize its unique geometry. Crafted from vertical and angled glazing mullions in black and bronze tones, the facade reflects the innovative contours of the building.
Supporting Fintech Growth
As a vital hub for the People’s Bank of China, the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology plays a crucial role in developing and evaluating financial technologies that support digital and cross-border payment systems. The tower accommodates the institute’s expanding operations, featuring research laboratories, data centers, technology exchange facilities, and training campuses.
Strategically positioned in the heart of Shenzhen’s tech industry and well-connected by the city’s metro system, the tower serves as both a workspace and a center for collaboration. A series of interior atria link multiple floors. Plants fill these atria, filtering air pollutants and creating a healthier indoor environment.
Advanced Features for Energy Efficiency
The tower incorporates cutting-edge systems to ensure environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. Its envelope features high-performance thermal insulation and external fins designed for self-shading, reducing solar heat gain. Detailed solar analysis informs the unique tailoring of each facade to optimize performance based on its exposure to sunlight.
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A smart building system powered by AI further enhances the tower’s sustainability. This system predicts user patterns and occupancy levels, automating hybrid natural ventilation. It also adjusts building services to maximize comfort while minimizing energy use. The structure incorporates recycled materials, including locally sourced steel and aggregates, to reduce its embodied carbon footprint.
Rooftop Garden and Multifunctional Spaces
Adding to the building’s dynamic functionality, a rooftop garden provides versatile spaces for events, exhibitions, and relaxation. The design of this green space provides sheltered areas for gatherings and improves the building’s overall sustainability profile. The garden complements the interior atria, creating a balance between built and natural elements.
Client: Shenzhen Futian Bureau of Public Works
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Design: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA Team
Project Director: Joris Pauwels
Project Associate: Yitzhak Samoun
Project Architect: Haohao Chen
Project Team: Ping-Hsiang Chen, Biagio Amodio, Wei-Yu Hsiao, Maria Vergopoulou, Sharan Sundar, Iraklis Kourounis, Alejandro Garcia Gadea, Beatrice Cordella, Cristina Barrios Cabrera, Nessma Al Ghoussein, Samantha Pavic, Simon Yu, Jinqi Huang, Yushan Chen
Site Team: Haohao Chen, Shao-wei Huang
Competition Project Director: Joris Pauwels
Competition Associate: Yitzhak Samoun
Competition Project Architect: Yazhu Liang
Competition Project Leads: Haohao Chen, Alejandro Garcia Gadea
Competition Team: Maria Vergopoulou, Sharan Sundar, Iraklis Kourounis, Saman Dadgostar, Uli Blum, Lorena Espaillat Bencosme
Consultants
Local Architect: CSWADI (SD – PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)
Structural Engineers: CSWADI (SD – PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)
Quantity Surveyor: Cheng Xin Hang Construction Consultancy
General Contractor: China Construction Second Engineering Bureau
Facade Contractor: Yasha Facade
Facade Engineering: CSWADI (SD – PD Stage) / SPES+CABR（PD – CD Stage）
M&E Engineering: CSWADI (SD – PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)
MEP: CSWADI (SD – PD Stage) / CABR (CD Stage)
Approved Inspector: Shenzhen Electronics Institute Design Consulting Co., Ltd
Landscape Consultant: CSWADI
Interior Designer: Yitian Design
Site Supervision: CSCC
Project Management: CSCC
