AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Windows, CityscapeAD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Waterfront, CityscapeAD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Facade, Cityscape, WindowsAD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Windows, Cityscape, FacadeAD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - More Images+ 5

  • Architects: I.M. Pei
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  1990

Text description provided by the architects. When commissioned to design the Bank of China Tower on an intricate inland site, I.M. Pei was requested to create an unavoidably tall unique headquarters in a typhoon-prone region that would represent the aspirations of the Chinese people yet also symbolize good will toward the British Colony. 

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Waterfront, Cityscape

The solution assimilates architecture and engineering simultaneously, involving an asymmetrical tower that informs both skyline and street. The Bank of China Tower stands 70 stories tall, reaching a height of 1,209 feet. At the time of its opening in May 1990, it was the tallest building in Asia and still remains one of the tallest in Hong Kong.

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Windows, Cityscape, Facade

Comprised of four vertical shafts, the tower emerges from a 52-meter cube and reduces its mass, quadrant by quadrant, until a single triangular prism resides. The faceted prism is clad in reflective glass that mirrors the changing sky, anchoring the expansive business district and providing a characteristic vertical axis to Hong Kong's towering skyline.

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Facade, Windows

The four shafts that from the building produce a modern composite structural system that not only resists high-velocity winds, but eliminates the need for many internal vertical supports. As a result, the Bank of China uses less steel than typical for a building its size.

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Image 7 of 10

A key issue for I.M. Pei was the symbolism of the structure for the Chinese people and the British Colony. Original plans included an x-shaped cross-brace. However, in China the "X" shape is seen as a symbol of death. As an alternative, Pei chose to use less menacing diamond forms.

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Facade, Cityscape, Windows

The bamboo plant was also a significant inspiration for this unique building. The trunk of this massive structure is representative of the growth patterns of bamboo, the symbol of hope and revitalization in the Chinese culture.

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Cityscape

At ground level, the tower is pulled back from the street to create an amicable pedestrian atmosphere that is fully accessible and sheltered from the urban bedlam. It is surrounded by a broad promenade, and flanked by cooling water gardens that muffle the activity and noise of surrounding traffic.

AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei - Lighting, Cityscape, Facade

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Project location

Address:Hong Kong (SAR), China

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
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Cite: Brian Pagnotta. "AD Classics: AD Classics: Bank of China Tower / I.M. Pei" 23 Aug 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/153297/ad-classics-bank-of-china-tower-i-m-pei> ISSN 0719-8884

AD 经典:香港中银大楼 / 贝聿铭

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