Xi’an, one of China’s largest inland cities, and the country’s ancient capital and historic eastern gateway of the Silk Road, has become a major hub for new technologies that include semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and bio-pharmaceuticals. The new Daxia Tower is at the core of Xi’an’s high-tech zone which has become a key driver of the city’s economic growth, with its manufacturing, research and development base of more than one hundred Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations. Situated on a 16,700 sq. m site, the 210 m Daxia Tower will incorporate 127,220 sq. m of offices, retail, and ancillary facilities.
The Tower’s gently curving silhouette is accentuated by layers of patterned glazing and dramatic atriums that bring natural light deep into its floorplates and give panoramic views of the city. Incorporating natural ventilation, the large atriums will allow fresh air to circulate through the building, while planting on the many layers of terraces overlooking the atriums will help purify the air and reduce indoor pollutants.
Designed with data analytics and behaviour modelling, the tower’s interiors will include future-proofed, adaptable workplaces supported by real-time analytics to create healthy environments. Optimizing natural daylighting and ventilation using high-performance low-emissivity, unitized glazing with a thermal coating and insulated for low U-values to reduce energy demand and enhance efficiencies, the tower’s responsive facade with integrated sensors will include photovoltaics to enable renewable energy generation to power various systems within the building.
A rainwater harvesting system will collect and store rainwater as a supplementary source for non-potable water, while the recycling system will treat and reuse grey water to further reduce the building’s water consumption.
A smart management system will continuously monitor and optimize energy consumption and environmental performance. Sensors and automation throughout the tower will recognize patterns in occupancy and adjust interior conditions accordingly, in addition to adapting to changing weather conditions to ensure maximum efficiencies and occupants’ comfort. The tower’s procurement and construction will prioritize recycled and locally produced materials. Daxia Tower’s design targets LEED Gold certification and the highest three-star rating of China’s Green Building Program.
